Dozens of types of crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) flourish outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10 as long as their specific temperature, light and moisture needs are met. Crotons also make excellent houseplants, but they may need special attention to keep their lush foliage intact when grown indoors. Every croton plant drops leaves as the plant grows and matures – it’s part of the life-cycle. But if your indoor croton drops leaves suddenly or excessively, it may be a sign of environmental stress or improper growing conditions.
Move the plant to an area with the correct temperature. Crotons need consistently warm, humid surroundings. Locate the plant away from cooling and heating vents to avoid temperature fluctuations. Changes in temperature as well as exposure to cool temperatures below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit can cause croton leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Monitor your watering schedule and watering method. Overwatering can kill roots and trigger root rot, causing croton leaves to die and drop. Water a croton regularly and thoroughly to maintain even soil moisture – not soggy, and not dry. Use tepid water to avoid cold-water shock. Plant crotons in pots with ample drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water accumulation in the root zone and set the pot in a saucer or inside a cachepot to catch overflow. Pour off the overflow after watering so the roots don’t sit in stagnant water.
Check the root zone to see if the plant is pot-bound. A pot-bound plant cannot take up adequate water or nutrients. Supporting the plant with one hand, tip the pot sideways and tap the side of the pot to release the soil mass. Examine the roots. Healthy roots should be white, in soft, loose growing medium. Brown roots are dead; trim them back to viable tissue and discard the dead portions. Gently brush away hard, packed soil from the roots and repot the plant in a larger container with new growing medium.
Cover an ailing croton loosely with a clear plastic sheet or bag if the humidity is low. Crotons prefer moist conditions, and leaf drop is a common response to dry air. Increase the room humidity by using a humidifier or simply set the pot in a tray of pebbles and water, making sure the bottom of the pot is not submerged. The object is for the water to evaporate and raise the humidity around the plant. Add more water as it evaporates from the tray.
Things You Will Need
- Pot with drainage, saucer
- Fresh growing medium
- Dust the leathery leaves regularly to keep them clean so the stomata can function properly to regulate the flow of gases. Wipe the leaves with a soft cloth moistened in tepid water to clean them.
- Croton sap contains latex, which can cause skin irritation to some people and pets.
- Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, et al.
- Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Houseplant Care
- L. H. Bailey Hortorium Herbarium Cornell University: Foliage Houseplants --The Reliable Favorites
- Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images