Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is bone dry.
- Check the location to see if the plant is getting too much intense afternoon sun.
- Inspect the stems for signs of shriveling.
Likely causes
Extreme Heat
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves wilt and turn crisp before falling off during hot summer days. This happens when the plant cannot keep up with evaporation.
What to do: Move your clover to a spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Severe Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The stems look shriveled and the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot. The plant will drop leaves to conserve its remaining energy.
What to do: Soak the entire root ball by placing the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes. Allow the excess water to drain away completely. Resume your schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days.
Find out what's wrong with your clover
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 yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry only if the plant is losing healthy green leaves rapidly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil evenly moist and provide afternoon shade during the peak of summer.
Clover: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your clover 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 save a clover that has lost all its leaves?
- If the roots are still firm and white, cut the stems back to the soil line. With consistent water and bright light, the plant will likely sprout new growth.
- Does moving my clover cause leaf drop?
- Yes, moving a plant to a new environment can cause temporary shock. Give it a few days to adjust to the new light levels.
More problems with Clover
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.