Croton is a favorite among houseplant growers, not only for the brilliant colors it gives off, but also for the health benefits it provides to its growers.
Watching croton leaves drop can be very discouraging and frustrating, as the leverage croton plants have over other houseplants is longevity.
Have you noticed your croton leaves falling off recently and you don’t know what happened or what to do? This is a comprehensive guide to why your croton might fall off, what to do if it does, and what you can do to prevent it in the future.
Contents
7 Reasons Why Croton Leaves May Be Falling Off
Have your croton leaves fallen? It is certainly a source of concern. Many factors contribute to falling croutons. While leaf drop is normal, if it goes beyond normal it becomes itchy, an indication that something could be seriously wrong.
Here are the reasons why your croton may fall off. You will surely find out what was wrong with your croton.
1. Change of environment
Image: @a_gubinskaya via Twenty20A croton plant that changes scenery can be quite uncomfortable after the change. This is because crotons have just stepped out of their comfort zone and may need more time and care to adjust to their current environment.
Most crotons will return to their original state if the grower is patient and provides the proper care. You may need to be patient with your croton to see it come back to life. If you’ve just changed your croton’s environment, there’s no need to worry. Be patient and give him the care he needs.
2. Low humidity
Crotons thrive in areas with low humidity, if exposed to harsh weather conditions the soil mix may be affected and leaves may drop. Also, if you live in an environment with very little humidity, the croton will be exposed to heat and this can adversely affect the growth and survival of your plant. Crotons need warm temperatures to survive.
3. Inadequate lighting
Crotons need very bright light to produce the bright, vibrant colors they can emit. They benefit from direct sunlight, although the variety of the croton is key in determining how much sunlight it needs.
Some crotons may need shade, but most thrive in full sun. If you grow it indoors, you may need to place it where it receives direct sunlight. Your leaves may fall because they have not received adequate lighting
4. Bad soil mix
Like other houseplants, crotons thrive in moist soil and cannot thrive in soggy soil conditions. Soil mixtures are usually attributed to irrigation conditions. You need to be aware of how much water your croton needs to survive, if the ground is flooded the soil dries out and the process of decomposition begins with a change in the appearance of the foliage before the leaves begin to drop , then inevitable. the death.
Image: ErinLewisPhotography/Shutterstock.This also applies to overwatering; Crotons hate soggy mixes, so you may need to be extra careful when watering to avoid a soggy soil mix that can lead to stem rot. Stem rot is very bad for your croton.
5. Pollution
Crotons often struggle with pests and insects and a severe case of infestation would lead to leaf drop. Some croton pests include plant mealybug, spider mites, scale insects. Crotons attract pests, bugs and insects when they dry out. This is another reason why your croton needs to be well watered. If pests are taken lightly, your croton can be completely damaged.
6. Pans
Most indoor plant growers, including Croton, like to pot their plants, which adds to the aesthetic effect. However, some pots may not be suitable for crotons because the materials used to make them may contain elements that will cause the soil to dry out faster.
Terracoat pots may not be suitable for repotting, but if you run out of repotting options, you may need to adjust your watering schedule to ensure your croton soil never dries out.
7. Maybe it’s just nature taking its course.
Crotons are perennials, which means they live longer. Leaf drop can be a sign that part of the plant is dying. However, this shouldn’t be a problem, as crotons use the same root system to reproduce other crotons.
What to do when Croton leaves fall?
- If you have just changed the croton’s environment, give it time to adjust and take good care of it.
- Use humidifiers or constantly mist croton leaves if you live in a high or low humidity environment. You may need to change the croton’s environment in the winter due to the freezing cold of that climate.
- Make sure the croutons receive direct sunlight. they need about 4-5 hours of sunlight per day
- Adjust your watering schedule to your croton’s soil mix and also measure the amount of water used when watering. Your soil should never dry out and should not be soggy.
- Eliminate pests by using a strong stream of water or by cleaning the plants with rubbing alcohol. For severe infestations, you can use an insecticidal soap.
Crotons are very difficult in terms of survival. With proper care, your croton is sure to survive any challenge. You should have identified the reasons why your croutons are falling off; your crotons would surely bounce back if tips were followed.
Read below:
- Do Rabbits Eat Croton Plants?
- How to make Croton plants more colorful?
- How Often Should You Fertilize Croton Plants?
- Croton Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care (2021)