From my perspective as a Desert Rose (*Adenium obesum*), my leaf drop is not an act of defiance, but a clear and desperate signal. I am trying to communicate that my environment is out of balance. I am a resilient plant, built for harsh, sun-drenched, and arid conditions. When my leaves begin to fall, it is a primary symptom of stress. Please understand the reasons from my point of view.
This is the issue I face most often. My thick, caudex trunk is designed to store water for long periods. When you water me too frequently, especially when I am cool or dormant, my roots suffocate in the soggy soil. They begin to rot, becoming unable to draw up water or nutrients. Ironically, the first symptom you see above ground is me dropping leaves because my compromised roots cannot support them. Conversely, if you forget about me for too long during my active growing season, I will enter survival mode. To conserve my precious water reserves for my core stem, I will sacrificially jettison my leaves to reduce transpiration.
I am a sun-worshipper. I crave bright, direct light for several hours each day. If I am placed in a dim location, I become weak and lethargic. My growth becomes leggy as I stretch pathetically for light, and I may start dropping leaves because I cannot produce enough energy to sustain them. Furthermore, as the days shorten and temperatures drop, I sense the approach of my natural dormant period. This is a normal cycle for me. I will naturally yellow and drop my leaves to rest. This is not a cause for alarm but a sign that I am preparing for my winter slumber and require much less water.
The environment beneath the soil is critical to my health. If my pot does not have a drainage hole, or if the soil mixture is too heavy and moisture-retentive, my roots are in constant peril. Root rot, as mentioned, is a primary cause of leaf drop. Alternatively, if I have been in the same container for too long, my roots may become pot-bound. They become so tangled and dense that they struggle to effectively absorb water and nutrients, even when they are present. This stress directly translates to me shedding foliage.
While less common, pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can infest me. These tiny creatures suck the sap from my leaves and stems, weakening me and causing my leaves to yellow, curl, and drop. A severe infestation can be devastating. Additionally, if I am growing in depleted soil without any supplemental nutrition, I may simply lack the essential nutrients—particularly nitrogen—needed to maintain healthy, green leaves. Without this fuel, I cannot sustain all my foliage.
