Can I save a plant that has dropped most of its leaves?

If the roots are still firm and white, you can likely save it by adjusting your watering and light. Trim back any dead stems to encourage new growth.

Does moving the plant cause leaf drop?

Yes, a sudden change in environment can shock the plant. Try to keep it in a stable location once it seems happy.

Why is my Heath speedwell dropping leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil for excess moisture.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Evaluate the light levels in the current spot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow or mushy before falling off, and the soil smells sour.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out until the top inch is dry. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes and never leave it sitting in a saucer of water.
Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stretched out or leggy, and leaves drop from the bottom up as they lose the ability to photosynthesize.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with partial shade or bright indirect light. Gradually introduce it to more light over a week to avoid leaf scorch.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heath speedwell

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

Worry if the plant is losing many leaves at once or if the stems are turning black. It is normal for the plant to shed a few old leaves as it produces new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and provide bright, indirect light.

Heath speedwell: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heath speedwell 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

Can I save a plant that has dropped most of its leaves?: If the roots are still firm and white, you can likely save it by adjusting your watering and light. Trim back any dead stems to encourage new growth.
Does moving the plant cause leaf drop?: Yes, a sudden change in environment can shock the plant. Try to keep it in a stable location once it seems happy.

Why is my Heath speedwell dropping leaves?