diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 5d9a0a2..9811be2 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ local add_fruit_regrowable = function(fruit, node, leaves)
 		})
 
 		minetest.register_on_placenode(function(pos, newnode, placer)
-			if placer:is_player() and newnode.name == "cacaotree:pod" then
+			if placer and placer:is_player() and newnode.name == "cacaotree:pod" then
 				minetest.set_node(pos, {name = "regrowing_fruits:cacao", param2 = newnode.param2})
 			end
 		end)