The Corokia, better known to most of us as the Zigzag Bush, is a super popular container plant because it’s generally tough and low-maintenance. If you notice a few leaves dropping here and there, don’t panic—that’s totally normal. However, if your plant starts looking bald all of a sudden, you’ve got a problem on your hands that needs fixing ASAP.
Why is my Zigzag Bush losing leaves?
Usually, leaf drop is a cry for help due to a mistake in care or a bad location:
- It’s getting too hot.
- It’s sitting in direct, harsh sunlight.
- It’s too dark.
- The soil is waterlogged.
- The air is too dry.
Watch the Temperature
The Zigzag Bush thrives on a patio or in a cool sunroom. During its active growing season (spring through fall), it actually prefers a cool 60°F (15°C). In the winter, it likes things even chillier, though you have to be careful because it definitely isn’t frost-hardy.
Light and Sun Exposure
Direct sunlight is a big no-no for this plant. If you have it out in the garden, a spot with partial shade is the “sweet spot” for healthy growth. On the flip side, don’t tuck it away in a dark corner or under heavy tree canopy where it can’t see the sky. If your indoor spot is a bit too dim, a simple LED grow light can work wonders. If it’s sitting in a window during the winter, just make sure it’s protected from that intense midday sun.
Getting the Watering Right
The goal is to keep the root ball consistently moist—you never want it to dry out completely. But here’s the tricky part: it’s very easy to overdo it. Standing water is the fastest way to kill a Zigzag Bush because soggy soil leads to root rot, which stops the plant from taking up nutrients.
The golden rule? Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. If you see water sitting in the saucer or the decorative planter, dump it out immediately. To play it safe, I always recommend adding a drainage layer of pebbles or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot. If you realize you’ve accidentally drowned the roots, your best bet is to repot the plant into fresh, dry soil right away.
During the winter, dial back the watering even more. The soil should stay just barely moist, and you should skip the fertilizer entirely until spring.
Humidity is Key
During the summer months, the Zigzag Bush craves high humidity. If it’s outside and not near a pond or water feature, you can set out trays of water to boost evaporation around the plant. It also loves a good misting! If you’ve brought it inside for the winter, running a humidifier nearby will keep it happy and prevent those leaves from drying up.
