March 1997 Houseplants are like people. When they get sick, they let you know about it. One way your houseplant tells you it's ailing is by losing its leaves.
Most houseplants are tropical in origin.
This means they like to be kept slightly moist and given lots of light and humidity. Without optimum conditions, they can defoliate. Because leaves manufacture food for the plant, without leaves, the plant will starve. In this case, plants usually will grow new leaves. This also could happen during winter months, if plants aren't getting their usual amount of sunlight.