Should I remove the fallen leaves?

Yes, clear away any fallen leaves from the soil surface to prevent mold or pests from settling in.

Can I save a plant that has lost most of its leaves?

If the stems are still green and flexible, the plant can recover with proper watering. Prune back any dead, brown stems to encourage new growth.

Common figwort: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top two inches of soil with your finger.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of wilting on the remaining leaves.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel crispy and brittle before they fall off the stems. The soil surface will feel dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil evenly moist.
Waterlogging
Possible
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and drop while the soil remains wet and heavy. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and ensure the pot has proper drainage holes. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common figwort

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the plant to lose a few older leaves at the base as it grows. Worry if the leaf drop is happening rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep a consistent watering rhythm and use a potting mix that retains moisture without becoming swampy.

Common figwort: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common figwort and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I remove the fallen leaves?: Yes, clear away any fallen leaves from the soil surface to prevent mold or pests from settling in.
Can I save a plant that has lost most of its leaves?: If the stems are still green and flexible, the plant can recover with proper watering. Prune back any dead, brown stems to encourage new growth.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my common figwort dropping its leaves?