If you’re wondering why your hydrangea leaves are falling off, let me first inform you that there are many possible causes, some of which can be problematic. In other cases, however, it can simply be a seasonal occurrence, and the hydrangea will soon sprout new leaves. Now let’s go over each cause one at a time.
Underwatering, excessive sunlight, frost damage, transplant stress, and fungus diseases are all causes of falling hydrangea leaves. Another reason why hydrangeas lose their leaves is due to the deciduous phenomenon, in which plants shed their leaves in order to grow new ones the next season.
1 . Underwatered
Your hydrangeas aren’t getting enough water or the soil is frequently dry, which causes yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop.
Greek word hydra, which means “water,” indicates that hydrangeas need moist soil to satisfy their thirst. When hydrangeas are placed in direct sunlight, people can notice that the plant is becoming excessively dry, which in turn affects the leaves.
Dehydration causes the leaves to yellow, wilt, and eventually drop off in some places. The simple solution to this issue is to simply provide water whenever the hydrangeas require it. Hydrangeas can survive for a month without fertilizer but not water, so this is an easy cure.
Your hydrangeas may receive 10–20% more sunshine if they are planted beneath an oak tree, as opposed to growing all day in indirect sunlight. It’s actually a good thing because I’ve seen people grow smaller plants beneath larger trees to give them with shade. There, hydrangeas grow freely, and if they do have leaf drop, it may be because they are deciduous, which means they shed their leaves only once a year.
2. Excessive Sunlight
If Hydrangeas are grown in pots, you should move the plant to a different area, such as indoors, when the summer heat causes the plants to wilt. Some hydrangea kinds detest full sun and can’t stand intense heat that comes directly from the sun. If the plant is exposed to excessive heat for a few days, it may start to lose leaves.
Although certain hydrangea varieties can thrive in direct sunlight, they are usually cultivated in regions with some shade. The majority of hydrangeas can thrive in optimal room temperatures; a cool, not-too-hot climate is appropriate for them.
Sunburn or leaf burn from too much exposure to the sun might follow, which makes falling off of leaves a regular issue. If you moved the hydrangeas, it can take some time for them to become used to their new surroundings or you might just want to make sure they aren’t getting too much sunshine.
Blackening of Hydrangea Leaves: A Leaf Disease (With Solution)
3. Abundant Watering
We’ve talked about how overwatering can cause leaves to fall off, but there are times when overwatering can actually harm or kill our plant.
If the owner doesn’t check on the plant’s damp soil on a weekly basis, overwatering will occur in hydrangeas. Additionally, if the soil drainage is poor, root rot will result, which will disrupt the water supply to other parts of the plant and prevent nutrients from reaching the leaves, which will simply dry out and drop.
While this issue with hydrangeas can be resolved by examining the top 1-2 inches of soil for moisture, if it’s present, wait to water for the day until the soil mixture begins to dry.
Although hydrangeas are designed to grow in damp soil, not soggy soil, I do not support making them absolutely dry.
Transplant Shock, No. 4
If leaves don’t adjust to the environmental changes, it’s yet another major factor in leaf loss. People do relocate plants in accordance with the seasons, and this has a direct impact on the hydrangeas’ general growth. Your plant may lose some leaf if you transplant it in the summer or at the beginning of warm weather, but once it’s established, it will grow back.
5. Damage from late frost
The practice of moving hydrangeas from one location to another in the early spring helps them adapt to their surroundings and meet their demands, but when this is done while there is still late frost on the ground, the leaves start to fall off.
See also: Yellowing Hydrangea Leaves
6. Evergreen Plants
Since hydrangeas are deciduous plants that shed their leaves every year, it is common for this plant to lose some near the end of winter. However, this is a natural occurrence, and once spring arrives, you may notice new leaves emerging from the stem’s nodes.
(7) A fungus infection
A fungus infects the root system, causing the plant to lose its foliage and colors. Once the overwatering problem is resolved, it can be resolved.
When powdery mildew affects hydrangea leaves, you could notice spots on purplish or greenish leaves, and after a few days, some leaves may fall off. The high humidity close to your plant was the sole source of this infestation of white powdery mildew. We also advise you to clean up the fallen leaves.
A miticide/insecticide that can address this problem is suggested below.
8 . Pests
Pests don’t really harm hydrangeas much; spider mites and aphids may cause problems, but these can be dealt with by using any insecticide.
To get rid of aphids and mites, I suggest using this Insect Mite & Disease 3-in-1.
However, this is most likely the case because these pests prefer moist environments, therefore if the area around your pot is clean and dry, they won’t approach your hydrangeas.
How do I know if my hydrangea is dying?
Your hydrangea plant may begin to die if its leaves begin to dry out, wilt, or droop. Following that, hydrangeas also turn yellow, black, and eventually die. You should take note of these indications anytime your hydrangea exhibits unusual behavior.
Why are my hydrangea leaves turning yellow and falling off?
When exposed to too much sunlight, too much fertilizer, or a lack of soil nutrients, hydrangea leaves can turn yellow and drop off. Plants can have their yellowing leaves resolved by being placed in a shaded region. For hydrangeas to develop robustly and prosper, your plant could require fertilizer with high nitrogen and iron content.