Philodendrons are one of the most common indoor plants recommended for first-time plant carers. And one of the problems beginners might notice with their plant is that it keeps shedding its leaves.
Which then brings you here to ask, will philodendron leaves grow back? The answer is yes; they will!
Read on to find out how.
Why Leaf Loss Happens and How to Fix It
Shedding leaves is pretty normal for plants. Old leaves fall off all the time to make room for new ones.
But if you notice that young leaves are frequently dropping from your philodendron, then there might be something wrong with it.
There can be many possible reasons why your philodendron’s leaves are falling off. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and learn how to fix each one.
1 – Over and Underwatering
Not being able to provide the right amount of water to your philodendron can cause leaf loss.
The philodendrons only need a certain amount of water to function. And overwatering your plant can cause root decay.
The excess water blocks the oxygen and nutrients that are meant to be absorbed by the roots. This results in roots rotting, making it impossible for them to get water and nutrients to the leaves and the rest of the plant.
You’ll know that you’ve overwatered your philodendron when you see new leaves turn yellow.
On the other hand, underwatering can also cause leaf loss due to dehydration. This is because your plant doesn’t get water or nutrients for long. The leaves start turning brown and eventually fall off.
To avoid overwatering your philodendron, you may place it in a spot in your house where it can receive bright indirect light. This will help dry out the soil faster after you water your plant.
As for underwatering, just always make it a rule that as soon as your plant’s soil is dried out, you water it right away.
2 – Wrong Amount of Light
It’s crucial to allow your philodendron to absorb the correct amount of sunlight. Too little and too much will do your plant more harm than good.
Although philodendrons are known to tolerate low light conditions, they can’t actually thrive in them for a long time. So if your plant only gets a tiny amount of sunlight, it won’t be able to get enough energy for photosynthesis, resulting in stunted growth and leaf loss.
Meanwhile, too much sunlight for your plant is as bad as not getting enough of it. Exposing your philodendron to direct sunlight will burn your leaves, making them brown and dry, and eventually drop to the ground.
To fix this problem, just put your philodendron in a room that has bright indirect light. This promotes healthier growth and eliminates unnatural leaf loss.
3 – Cold Temperature
As tropical plants, philodendrons prefer warm temperatures between 75°F–85°F.
If your plant’s leaves are falling off, the temperature in your home might have dropped recently. If not, another cause could be that your philodendron is placed in a direct path of cool air coming from vents and ACs.
To prevent leaf loss, make sure to keep your philodendron away from any cool air. It’s also best to regularly check the room’s temperature using an indoor thermometer and adjust accordingly.
4 – Low Humidity
Another possible cause for leaf loss in philodendrons is low humidity. These plants that are native to tropical regions thrive in high humidity levels.
They grow better in higher than average humidity. In these conditions, your plant is able to absorb the necessary nutrients in dissolved form through its roots and releases the excess moisture through the stomata.
If humidity is too low, you’ll first start seeing your philodendrons with brown leaf tips. As soon as you notice this, work to increase the humidity in your home right away.
One option is to place your plant on top of a pebble tray with water barely reaching the pebble tops. Another option is to use a standard humidifier.
5 – Pest Infestation
In certain conditions, your philodendron will attract pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scales that can cause its leaves to drop. These insects will feed on your plant’s sap and steal the nutrients that are essential to their health.
To remedy this, you may start by removing the pests that you see on your philodendron’s leaves. Then, wash the affected areas with warm water.
Using cotton balls, dip them in rubbing alcohol and apply the disinfectant to the infected areas. You may also use a standard pesticide if you prefer that option.
Final Thoughts
As a first-time plant carer, it’s unavoidable to panic at the sight of drastic leaf loss from your philodendron. But you don’t have to worry!
Philodendron leaves will grow back. As long as you’re able to pinpoint the source of the problem, you’ll be able to fix the situation and bring your plant back to a healthy state.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.