Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the soil to see if it feels damp.
- Inspect the stems for any mushy or dark spots.
- Check if the plant is in a high traffic area.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look plump and translucent before falling off easily. The stems may feel soft or squishy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays damp for more than a week, repot the plant into a fresh, fast draining cactus mix.
Physical Disturbance
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves fall off only when the plant is moved or brushed against. The remaining leaves look firm and healthy.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot where it will not be bumped by people or pets. Avoid handling the stems unless absolutely necessary.
Find out what's wrong with your donkey's tail
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
A few leaves falling during repotting is normal. Worry if entire stems are going bald or if the leaves are mushy.
Stopping it coming back
Place your plant in a permanent, out of the way location and only water when the soil is bone dry.
Donkey's Tail: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your donkey's tail 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I grow new plants from the fallen leaves?
- Yes, you can lay the healthy fallen leaves on top of dry cactus soil. They will often sprout roots and tiny new plants over several weeks.
- Why do leaves fall off when I water?
- If they fall off during watering, the plant is likely already stressed by too much moisture. The cells are full and the connection point becomes very weak.
More problems with Donkey's Tail
Back to the Donkey's Tail guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.