What is the best way to care for my croton plant? I just recently got it and the leaves are falling off?

I transplanted the croton plant when I got home, and within 2 days the leaves were falling off.

What is the best way to care for my croton plant? I just recently got it and the leaves are falling off?
The plant is probably going through re-acclimation to a new location.





It needs to be kept away from cool drafts.


A dip below 60 F can set it off to dropping leaves.





Mist the leaves in the winter with distilled water to keep humidity up and keep it in a continuously warm location. Water sparingly between now and April, then begin normal liberal waterings. Good luck!





If the plant is alive, you should start to see new leaves forming in about three to four weeks.
Reply:Your Croton just experienced a lot of shock. Moving and transplanting are very stressful on plants and you will expect to loose a few leaves. Also when plants are shipped from nurseries to stores to homes, they will be mad for a while. A lot of times employees at garden centers are not experienced enough to know what to do other than keep them alive for a week after the shipment comes in. And a lot of tropical plants like to be in small containers so its not necessary to transplant them for a while. Don't give it any fertilizer for a couple weeks and then if you decide to, let it be a really light solution of it. If your croton hasn't lost all of its leaves, it should perk back up.
Reply:I have several tropicals, one being a Croton. The leaves on mine fall off also. My best advice is to make sure you replant it in a soil for tropical plants- found at most stores (I got mine at Lowe's). Also, make sure it is in a big enough pot to support growth. When I first got mine, I tried using regular potting soil, and the plants would not grow. After changing the soil, they did great and are huge now. Then just make sure the soil is moist all the time. The leaves at the bottom of the plant tend to fall off of mine, but it seems it's at time's when it doesn't get watered regularly. I also try to keep mine in a room that stays above 70 degree's. In the winter, I usually keep a space heater in the room with my plants- to regulate the temperature. I usually set the heater for 75. I don't believe these plants are hard to grow at all. Mine requires minimal effort. It is a Croton Mamey, and the thing I love about it the most is the fact that if the leaves are droopy, it needs water! And it's colorful. If in doubt, take it back and exchange it for a healthier plant. Most stores have warranties- for up to a year- if it dies.

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