Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?

No, wait until the plant has recovered. Fertilizing a stressed plant can cause more harm than good.

Is leaf drop a sign of root rot?

It can be, but usually, the leaves will turn yellow or mushy first. Check the roots if the soil stays wet for too long.

Common greenbrier: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check if the plant was recently moved to a new spot.
Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.

Likely causes

Severe Dehydration
Possible
How to tell: The leaves feel brittle, dry, and crispy before they fall off the stems.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist.
Environmental Shock
Possible
How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after you have recently moved the plant to a new location or changed its light exposure.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable environment once you find a good spot. Avoid moving it frequently so it can adjust to the light and temperature.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common greenbrier

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 during the transition into winter. You should worry if the plant is losing healthy, green leaves rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil moisture consistent and avoid moving the plant once it is established.

Common greenbrier: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common greenbrier 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 fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?: No, wait until the plant has recovered. Fertilizing a stressed plant can cause more harm than good.
Is leaf drop a sign of root rot?: It can be, but usually, the leaves will turn yellow or mushy first. Check the roots if the soil stays wet for too long.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Smilax rotundifolia dropping its leaves?