Expert: Will Creed - 5/15/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I have a croton plant that has been doing great for about 3 months now.  I haven't re-potted it and haven't changed much since I got it.  It gets about 5 hours of intense light a day and the soil is kept moderately moist at all times. I also fertilize it once a month.
What I have noticed recently is that its starting to thin out on leaves. Some of the leaves near the bottom are falling off for no apparant reason. Its only grown about 3 inches since I got it and its around 15 inches tall. All the croton i've seen are bushy top to bottom, not thined out like mine.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi Nick,

You seem to be doing everything right in caring for your Croton. The most common problems with this plant are inadequate light and failing to keep the soil moist. Yet, you seem to be managing both of those quite well.

Tell me what you mean by "intense" light. Is that direct sun or indirect? How far is it from the nearest window and which direction does the window face?

And what do you mean by "moderately moist?" How do you determine when the soil needs water?

I look forward to your reply.

Regards,
Will Creed


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in Wisconsin.  In the Spring, I put the plant out when ever I can.  When its out side, its in direct sunlight for about 6-8 hours a day. When its in the house, its only in direct sunlight for about 3 hours, the rest is pretty bright indirect light.  The plant is located inches from a window.

I water the plant almost every day.  Just to keep the soil moist, but not completely soggy.  As I write this letter, the plant is outside in mid 60 degree temps and its raining. I don't overwater, as far as I know.  I know right away if i'm underwatering if the leaves start to droop a little.  So the soil is never completely dry, but its not kept completely soggy, enough to feel the moisture if you feel the soil.

Is it ok to leave the plant out during the warm summer months. Where I live in Wisconsin, its very humid and hot. I thought this would be ok, but I don't want the plant to get too much sun.  Is there something you should look for if the plant is getting too much sun?
Thanks

Answer
Thanks for the additional information. You provided the missing piece to the puzzle.

Your Croton is reacting to the dramatic change from indoor light to outdoor light. Outdoor light can be as much 100 times more intense. In nature, plants put down roots and stay there for their entire lives. Although they can adapt to changes in light, it usually has a negative effect on leaves that emerged in different light.

I suggest that you find a sunny window to locate it permanently. If you want to move it outside, keep it in light shade where it is protected from outdoor direct sun. However, even this change will be enough to cause lower leaf discoloration and loss.

Your watering is probably okay.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com