Question
QUESTION: I have a Gold Dust Croton who's leaves are starting to yellow on the bottom and at the very top.  This plants and a varity of others live in an atrium.  The temp is 65 I think it is too cool for the plants.  The soil of the plants seems to stay moist longer. The atrium has a natural sunglight that comes in form the roof.  Goldie live in a 6in pot and I water about once per week or every 9 days if needed.  I live in Indpls, IN.

ANSWER: Dee,

I'm about 115 miles north of you just north of Fort Wayne, IN. This time of year with the shorter days and only natural light your plants are semi dormant so  they are using very little water. Water is accumulating in the bottom of the pot and the roots may be rotting.  They need to be dry for a few days between waterings so the roots have a chance to breath. Allow 14 days between waterings. Also inspect very closely for signs of insects. Those would be very fine webs over the plants and in the leaf crotches, little bits of cotton on the back sides of leaves and tiny white flies that fly out of the plants when you disturb them. If you find any of those things email me back and I will tell you what to do about them. Otherwise I think your problem is just a bit too much water. Good luck.

Darlene

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QUESTION: I have been reading and I am excited and want to add citrus trees orange and lemon, and a banana tree to the atrium.  Are these good indoor plants for the atrium, I was told by the nursery that I would have fruit in two years, is that true?

Answer
Dee,

Yes, citrus trees make wonderful indoor trees during the winter in Indiana. I do reccommend that they go outdoors during the summer so the blossoms get pollinated by insects and you get oranges and lemons easily. Whether you will have fruit in 2 years depends on the size of the tree that you start with. If it is a very small tree it could take longer than 2 years. In 2 years you will only have a few fruit. I do reccommend that you check out some websites or get a book on citrus care. They do require as much sun as possible and acidic soil. Also a dose of adidic ferilier at least 4 times a year. Good luck with your project.

Darlene