Why is My Frangipani Losing Leaves?

Frangipanis naturally lose their leaves in autumn and winter as part of their normal growth cycle. However, if your tree is shedding leaves in spring or summer, it may be caused by stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. The most common triggers are overwatering, fungal rust, or a lack of essential nutrients. Feeding regularly with Complete Grow’s All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 helps keep foliage healthy and prevents premature leaf drop.

1. Natural vs. Problem Leaf Drop

Frangipanis are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves every year. Knowing when leaf loss is normal and when it’s a sign of trouble is key:

Normal Leaf Drop: In cooler regions, leaves yellow and fall in late autumn (April–May), leaving bare branches until spring.
Abnormal Leaf Drop: If leaves fall during spring or summer, it usually points to stress or a problem in the growing environment.

Premature leaf loss reduces photosynthesis and weakens the tree, which often impacts flowering the following season.

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2. Causes of Premature Leaf Loss in Frangipani

Several issues can trigger leaf drop outside the natural dormancy period. Here’s what to look for and how to fix it:

Nutrient Deficiency: Low nitrogen or magnesium levels cause leaves to yellow and drop early. Regular feeding with Complete Grow’s NPK 20-20-20 restores balance and keeps leaves healthy.
Overwatering: Frangipanis prefer dry soil between waterings. Constantly wet roots suffocate the plant, leading to leaf drop. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency.
Rust Disease: Frangipani rust causes orange pustules under leaves, leading to yellowing and early drop. Remove infected leaves and strengthen the tree with balanced feeding.
Sudden Stress: Transplant shock, cold weather, or sudden changes in position (e.g. moving a potted tree) can cause temporary leaf loss. Consistent care helps recovery.
Pests: While less common, scale insects or mealybugs can sap nutrients, stressing the plant and leading to shedding.

In most cases, correcting nutrition and adjusting care routines will stabilise the tree and reduce premature leaf drop.

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3. FAQs About Frangipani Leaf Loss

Q: Is it normal for my frangipani to lose all its leaves? Yes, in winter frangipanis naturally shed all their leaves and enter dormancy.
Q: Why is my frangipani losing leaves in summer? This usually points to rust, stress, or nutrient deficiencies. Feeding with Complete Grow’s 20-20-20 helps keep leaves strong through the growing season.
Q: Should I fertilise after leaf drop? No fertiliser is needed in winter dormancy. Resume feeding in spring when new leaves emerge.
Q: Can fertiliser prevent leaf drop? It won’t stop the natural winter cycle, but balanced feeding reduces premature leaf drop caused by stress or deficiencies.
Q: Do frangipanis recover after losing leaves? Yes. With proper feeding and care, new leaves appear in spring and summer. Balanced nutrition ensures they return healthy and green.

Final Recommendation: While frangipani leaf loss is normal in winter, premature shedding in the growing season is a warning sign. Regularly feeding with Complete Grow’s All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 keeps foliage healthy, reduces stress, and ensures strong flowering when the tree is back in full growth.