Hello, it's me, your jasmine plant. I know my recent leaf-dropping has you worried. Let me explain what's happening from my perspective. It's my primary way of communicating that my environment isn't quite right. Here are the most common reasons and what you can do to help me thrive again.
My relationship with water is delicate. If my soil goes completely dry, my roots can't drink, and I'll sacrifice leaves to conserve water. You'll see the leaves turn crispy and yellow or brown before they fall. Conversely, if my pot feels constantly soggy and heavy, you're loving me a little too much with water. Soggy soil suffocates my roots, causing them to rot. Without healthy roots, I can't support my leaves, so they turn yellow and drop softly. The solution is to check my soil before watering. Stick your finger about an inch deep; water me thoroughly only when it feels dry.
I am a sun-worshipper at heart. In my natural habitat, I bask in bright, full sun for many hours. When placed in a dim corner, I become weak and stressed. I can't produce enough energy through photosynthesis, so I must shed what I cannot sustain. You'll notice my growth becomes leggy as I stretch toward any light source, and my leaves may drop seemingly without reason. Please place me in a spot where I can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, like a south or west-facing window.
If I've been in the same pot for years, my roots have likely filled all the available space. They become pot-bound, circling tightly and unable to access water and nutrients efficiently. This stress manifests as leaf drop and overall poor health. Gently slide me out of my pot to check. If you see a dense web of roots with little soil visible, it's time for a new home. Repot me into a container only one size larger (about 2 inches wider in diameter) with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
I prefer consistent, warm temperatures and despise cold drafts and sudden changes. A blast of cold air from an open window in winter, or the hot, dry air from a heating vent, can shock my system. This thermal stress often causes me to drop leaves rapidly. Similarly, if I'm moved suddenly from indoors to a blazing hot patio without a gradual adjustment period (a process called hardening off), I will protest. Please keep me in a spot away from drafty doors, windows, and air vents where the temperature remains stable.
