In this blog post, we give you information on why your Croton plant leaves are falling off, its causes, steps on how to take care of your plants, and much more. Native to Tropical areas and Pacific regions, Croton Plants are quite common.
These ornamental plants have the power to turn an ordinary garden into a luscious landscape, showing off their beauty and class. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, watching your plants grow to their full potential is pleasing to the eye. However, in order to have a thriving garden, it is important to know how to maintain your plants.
A decorator’s dream, these multi-colored plants bring brightness to any home, making them an eye-catcher. Below you will find interesting, valuable information and tips that will help you in attaining your dream garden.
What Are Croton Plants?
Croton plants come in more than 100 different varieties. To mention just a few, the Mammy Croton boasts large, curly, thick, and shiny leaves. They come in the shades of purple, yellow, green, and red.
The Lauren’s Rainbow Croton is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for those with busy lifestyles. Having a robust tolerance level, it can withstand high humidity and drought conditions. Showing off its beautiful, slender, and colorful leaves and growing 4 – 5 feet indoors and up to 10 feet tall outdoors, this is an ideal house and garden plant.
Croton Plants are easily recognized by their thick leaves with yellow veins ingrained in them. These plants also offer many health benefits.
What Causes Croton Plant Leaves To Fall Off?
There are many reasons why croton plant leaves fall off. Let us take a look at a few common issues that can be avoided by giving your plant a chance to grow to maximum potential without hassles.
Croton plant leaves falling off can be the result of improper care. Plants, just like humans, also experience stress. These plants are creatures of habit so moving them around too often can cause them discomfort. They take time to adjust to a new environment which could cause their leaves to fall.
Depending on what type of Croton plant you have, some of them can grow in shade whilst most of them prefer direct sunlight. Depriving the plant of what it needs will also result in its leaves falling. Bugs and pests are easily drawn to these plants; therefore, in order to keep them from infestation, it is imperative that you water the plant on a regular basis.
What Is the Best Growing Medium for Croton Plants?
It is important to note that these plants can grow 3 – 8 ft in height and 6ft wide so choosing the correct size pot will give them ample space to grow healthy and steady. Placing the indoor plant in a position where there is sufficient sunlight will be an added advantage.
This evergreen shrub prefers acidic soil with good drainage. A mixture of equal parts peat moss and topsoil is best to help them grow all year round. Peat moss is a recommended amendment to maintain soil acidity for your croton plants to be happy and healthy.
Croton Plant Leaves Falling Off – Tips
It is sad and disappointing for any gardener, seasoned or new, to watch their plants wither away. After investing time and energy in trying to avoid this situation, what can be done to rectify it?
Tips:
- Humidity – These plants grow with warmth. Check the humidity levels, if it is insufficient, and try giving them some artificial light to grow well.
- Moist soil – Be sure they have sufficient water. If not daily then watering them at least a few times a week is best. This is because dry soil can kill the plant. A self-watering pot can eliminate the problem of dry soil.
- New Environment – If you are moving to a new home, you are changing the environment of the plant. Same as humans, this plant too will need time to adjust. Some may adjust quickly whilst others will take a few weeks. Proper care will help them re-adjust quicker.
- Change of Climate – Croton plants do not like the cold weather so in the fall you will find their leaves falling off. If it is an indoor plant, you can help them by giving them some artificial light.
- Infestation – Croton plants are prone to infections. Common pests and bugs such as spider mites, scale, caterpillars, and other common garden pests can infest the plant. Treating them with chemicals or homemade solutions regularly will eliminate this problem.
- Cleaning – Always keep the area around the plant clean. This will keep away bugs and unwanted pests. For clean and shiny leaves, wash them with your dishwashing liquid and wipe them dry using a soft cloth.
For additional information, click on this video to learn how to keep a croton plant happy.
Conclusion
Croton Plants are easy to grow and maintain. Giving them a little tender love and care will help them grow to their full potential. This will give your garden or home the beauty and freshness outlaid by a thriving plant.
For indoor plants, be sure to choose the right size pot. In this case, a self-watering pot would be ideal. Place the plant in the correct position allowing for sufficient sunlight. This plant does not like drafts so keep it away from open windows and doors.
Croton Plants Care Leaves falling off can devastate any gardener. However, when this happens, don’t be disappointed. With the correct care and treatment, they will be sure to grow again. For Additional croton plant care tips, click on the link.
FAQs
Will my croton leaves grow back?
Yes, your croton leaves will grow back within a few weeks with the proper care. Depending on what the cause of the leaves dropping is, it may need to be treated. You can use some homemade solutions or store-bought natural treatments to rectify the problem.
Can you save a croton with no leaves?
Yes, you can save a croton with no leaves. Find out what caused the leaves to fall off in the first place. In most cases, it is caused by disrupting the plant's home which is fixable. Allow your plant to re-adjust and within a few weeks, you should see some positive results.
How do you revive a dying croton plant?
To revive a dying croton plant, you will need to look at the conditions it is planted in. Check on the soil moisture, the temperatures, and the light efficiency it is receiving. Correct these issues and your plant will thrive again.
Do crotons need full sun?
Depending on what type of plant you are growing, some crotons need full sun while others do not. However, a fair amount of sun is definitely required for them to grow.