Seasonal Soursop Leaf Drop: Don't Panic, It's Just Nature at Work!

If you’ve noticed your soursop tree’s (Annona muricata) foliage looking a bit worse for wear this winter, don’t worry—there’s no need to panic! What you’re seeing is a completely natural process, and it’s just your tree adjusting to the seasonal change.



Soursop is a semi-evergreen tree, which means it doesn’t hold onto its leaves year-round like a typical evergreen. While it can fruit on and off throughout the year, its foliage will naturally show signs of age, especially during the cooler months. So, if your soursop’s leaves are starting to yellow, curl, or fall, it’s not a sign of disease—it’s simply preparing for the next cycle of growth.

What to Do?
Wait for Spring: As winter passes and the warmer weather approaches, your soursop will undergo a dramatic transformation. All the old, tired leaves will drop off, leaving the tree momentarily bare. But don't be alarmed—almost immediately, a fresh flush of vibrant green leaves will emerge, reinvigorating your tree.

How to Make the Most of the Leaf Drop
Instead of discarding the fallen leaves, why not repurpose them? I like to harvest the old soursop leaves to make leafmould and compost. These nutrient-rich leaves can be a fantastic addition to your garden, enriching the soil and helping other plants thrive.

In short, what may look like a problem is just nature’s way of resetting. Your soursop tree is healthy; it’s just shedding its old leaves and getting ready for a fresh start in the spring. So, sit back, relax, and let nature take its course