Why does your Kalanchoe serrata have sudden leaf drop? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Kalanchoe serrata is a succulent that stores water in its leaves; excessive moisture causes the roots to suffocate and rot, leading the plant to shed leaves as it can no longer transport nutrients. This often presents with soft, yellowing leaves before they drop.
As a tropical succulent, sudden exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or being placed near an air conditioning vent can trigger a stress response resulting in rapid leaf abscission.
While they prefer moderate humidity, extreme drops in ambient moisture—common in heated indoor environments during winter—can cause the plant to drop older leaves to conserve internal water.
Sap-sucking pests like scale or mealybugs drain the plant's energy, weakening the structural integrity of the leaf stalks and causing them to detach.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: