When our local trees start dropping their leaves, we know fall has officially arrived. But when it comes to exotic houseplants, seeing bare stems can be a bit nerve-wracking. If you own a Madagascar Palm, you might be wondering: is this normal or a cry for help?
Don’t Panic Just Yet
As the name suggests, the Madagascar Palm hails from the sunny shores of Madagascar. Even in its tropical home, this plant naturally sheds its leaves at the end of its growing season. So, if you notice leaves falling off as autumn rolls around, take a deep breath—it’s totally normal! In fact, this leaf loss can actually be a bit of a “life hack” for gardeners. Since the plant doesn’t need light once its leaves are gone, you can overwinter it in a frost-free basement if you don’t have room for it in your main living area.
Give Your Plant a Little “Me Time”
Keep in mind that plants don’t always follow a strict calendar. Sometimes a Madagascar Palm’s growth cycle gets a little shifted, and it might drop its leaves earlier or later than expected. The golden rule here? As soon as those leaves start falling, stop fertilizing immediately. You can start feeding it again once you see fresh, green growth beginning to sprout.
Leaf Loss During the Growing Season
If your palm starts losing leaves right in the middle of its active growing phase, that’s usually a red flag. The most common culprit is overwatering—these plants hate “wet feet.” Another possibility is that you’ve got some uninvited guests, specifically pests like scale insects. If this happens, you’ll need to adjust your watering schedule or treat the infestation to get your plant back on track.
A Quick Safety Tip
Whether your Madagascar Palm is shedding naturally or because of a health issue, make sure to pick up and toss those fallen leaves right away. These plants are actually toxic, so keeping the area clean is a must for the safety of your pets and family.