Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil an inch deep to check for dampness.
- Inspect the stems for any signs of rot or mushiness.
- Observe the light levels in the plant's current location.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel mushy and the leaves look translucent or bloated before they fall off. This happens when the roots sit in soggy soil for too long.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a week, repot the plant into fresh, well draining cactus mix.
Low Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks stretched out and pale, and leaves drop from the bottom of the stems. It is reaching for more sun to sustain its growth.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light or a few hours of gentle morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon sun if the leaves start to look scorched.
Find out what's wrong with your stringy stonecrop
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
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When to worry
It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to drop occasionally. Worry if the stems are turning brown or black and the plant is losing leaves rapidly.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your pot has drainage holes and always let the top inch of soil dry out before you add more water.
Stringy stonecrop: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your stringy stonecrop 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
- Will the leaves grow back on bare stems?
- Usually, the bare spots will not fill in. You can trim the stems back to encourage new, bushy growth.
- Is it normal for leaves to fall when I move the plant?
- Yes, this plant is sensitive to sudden changes in light or temperature. It should stop dropping leaves once it adjusts to its new spot.
More problems with Stringy stonecrop
Back to the Stringy stonecrop 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.