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African Marigold · Tagetes erecta

Why is my African Marigold dropping its leaves?

It is less common for African Marigolds to drop leaves, and this usually happens when they are not getting enough direct sunlight or are suffering from a pest infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny spider mites first.

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the leaf undersides for webbing.
  2. Assess how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
  3. Check if the soil is staying wet for too long.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny yellow stippling on the leaves and fine webbing between the stems. These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Use an insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks to clear the infestation.

  2. Insufficient Light

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant looks leggy and the lower leaves turn yellow before falling off. This happens when the plant is kept in a shady spot.

    What to do: Move the plant to a location that receives full, direct sun. African Marigolds need plenty of light to maintain their foliage.

Find out what's wrong with your african marigold

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.

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When to worry

It is serious if the plant is losing leaves rapidly and looks bare. It is normal for the very bottom leaves to drop as the plant grows taller.

Stopping it coming back

Provide full sun and keep the plant clean to discourage spider mites from settling in.

Keep your african marigold healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will my plant grow new leaves?
If you fix the light or pest issue, the plant will likely produce new growth. It may take a few weeks to recover.
Can I use neem oil for the mites?
Yes, neem oil is effective against spider mites. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

More problems with African Marigold

Back to the African Marigold guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.