Does anyone know why my croton is starting to look sad? She started losing leaves maybe a month and a half ago and I watered here on schedule. She seemed to be doing much better but now she has shed sooo many more leaves. She was almost completely full before. I really don’t want her to die. Does anyone have any recommendations or ideas…? TIA!!!
I’m seeing webbing, check for spider mites.
0 likes I took a closer look and there are no spider webs or mites! Just dust! (Will take a warm damp washcloth to her when I get home)
1 likeMy eyes aren't as good as they used to be but I don't see any webbing. Humidity could be the problem. Soil water and air moisture are two entirely different aspects of plant needs. They also have bright indirect light needs.
2 likes Yeah there is definitely no webbing! I think it’s how frequently I’m watering her. I went in and changed the water schedule so hopefully this stops in the next couple of weeks. She sits right next to a small humidifier so I’m not sure that’s what it is. She sits perpendicular to a window but it’s super super close to it, so I’ll probably move her a bit further away when I get home. Thank you so much!!!!
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Looks like a white film over the leaves. What is that from?
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Could be hard water deposits or dust. It might need cleaning
2 likes I think it’s a nice combo of both. When I get home today I will brush her off and take a warm wet cloth to get all that off. Thanks guys!!
1 likeDefinitely clean the leaves. Dust and dirt can reduce the light actually getting to the plant.
2 likes Crotons need bright direct sunlight to maintain the vivid yellow and red colors. They also thrive in high humidity. Let the soil dry out between watering to avoid yellowing and leaf drop.
0 likes I think the light is fine for her (but I’m pretty new to all of this I could be wrong). She is on a shelf next to the window and the window points perpendicular to the sun so she gets the side of it. I could move her further away though if you think it’s a good idea! I’ll also make watering a little more spaced out then. She sits next to a small humidifier too. Thank you so much for your insight!
0 likes I would give it less sun. Crotons are used as hedges in the tropics. They get all day hot sun. Being in a south facing window is ideal to get 8 hours to 10 hours of direct sun. You may need a grow light running at least 12 hours a day. The photo shows the colors your variety of croton should have when it gets sufficient light.
Meant to write “I would NOT give it less sun…” Planta is not allowing me to correct the previous comment.
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