My most common grievance is improper hydration. My large, luxurious leaves require a consistent and careful balance of water. If my soil becomes too dry for too long, I will conserve resources by jettisoning leaves, often starting with the oldest ones at the bottom. The stress from drought signals that I cannot support all my foliage. Conversely, if my pot lacks drainage or you are too generous with water, my roots will suffocate and rot in the sodden soil. Once root rot sets in, they can no longer absorb water or nutrients, causing my leaves to wilt, turn yellow or brown, and drop. You must learn to water me only when the top few inches of soil are dry.
I am a child of the forest canopy, evolutionarily designed to bask in bright, dappled sunlight. When placed in a dimly lit room, I become energy-deficient. I cannot produce enough photosynthate through my leaves to sustain my entire structure. My response is to shed leaves, often the ones receiving the least light, to reduce my energy consumption. This is a survival mechanism. You will notice my leaves may drop gradually and that my new growth, if any, will be small and weak. I need a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light to thrive and hold onto my foliage.
I am a creature of habit and deeply sensitive to sudden shifts in my microclimate. When you bring me home from the nursery, move me to a new room, or even rotate my pot, I experience transplant shock. This change in light orientation, humidity, and air flow is disruptive. My leaves, calibrated for their previous position, may react by dropping. Similarly, drafts from heating vents, air conditioners, or frequently opened doors create stressful temperature fluctuations that I interpret as a reason to conserve energy by shedding what I cannot maintain.
In my native habitat, the air is humid. The moisture in the air helps my leaves function properly. The dry air common in modern homes, especially during winter when heaters are running, is very stressful for me. It accelerates moisture loss from my leaves through transpiration faster than my roots can draw up water. To prevent desiccation, I may curl my leaves or, in severe cases, drop them. This is not a sign of dislike for you, but a physiological response to an arid environment. Increasing humidity around me can prevent this.
While not the most common cause, a lack of nutrients or constricted roots can lead to leaf drop. I am a relatively fast-growing plant when happy. The nutrients in my potting mix are eventually depleted. Without supplemental feeding during my growing season, I lack the essential building blocks to maintain healthy leaves, and I may shed them. Furthermore, if my roots have completely filled my pot, I become root-bound. This limits their ability to uptake water and nutrients efficiently, leading to stress symptoms that include leaf loss.
