Garden MD
Practical answers for common garden problems
Environment

Temperature stress or shock

Cold drafts, heating vents, or a sudden change in location can cause a houseplant to drop leaves quickly, even when watering and light are otherwise fine.

How to confirm it

  • Check whether the plant sits near a drafty window, exterior door, or heating or cooling vent.
  • Note whether the drop followed a recent move, temperature swing, or seasonal change.
  • Rule out under- or overwatering first, since both can also cause leaf drop.
Next Steps

Fixes connected to this cause