Overwatering
How to tell
Leaves yellow and then drop, and the roots stays wet for days after watering.
The fix
Ease off watering, check drainage, and inspect for rot in the roots if it feels soft.
Most likely cause
A recent change or shock. Pick a suitable spot, keep care steady, don’t fertilize, and let it adjust over a couple of weeks. Many plants settle once conditions stop changing.
What’s causing it
Underwatering
How to tell
Leaves crisp, curl, and drop, and the roots is bone dry alongside exaggerated leaf curl.
The fix
Water thoroughly and then keep it more consistent.
Cold drafts or temperature swings
How to tell
It’s near a frequently-opened door, a cold window, or a heat source, and drops leaves in cold snaps.
The fix
Move it somewhere with stable, draft-free temperatures.
Too little light
How to tell
It quietly drops its lower and inner leaves over time while reaching toward the window. Check that it is getting the light it needs.
The fix
Give it a brighter position.
Prevention
Once it’s in a good spot, leave it there: stability is what stops leaf drop. Keep watering consistent and protect it from cold drafts.
More for your Air plant
All Air plant guides
Related plants
Same genus or the same care pattern.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-26