Question
I accuired this plant recently and have tried to find out what it is so that I can properly care for it. I have been told it is some sort of Croton but nobody seems to know what type. I am having major problems with it. It has been dropping leaves since I brought it home. Without know what it is or how much light or water I have no idea how to fix the problem. One person told me I needed to let the leaves yellow more but the yellow ones are the dead ones. Please help me before it looses all of it's leaves.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/tlia/Image004.jpg
Also, I have a Dragon Tree plant. One of the stalks has totally died (the smallest one), the other has lost all leaves off of the tips (the middle sized one) and the tallest one has brown tips and is wilting in some areas. I repotted it because the soil it was in seemed to be staying wet for far too long, when i did I noticed that the largest plants roots where in a circle around the other two, could this have caused the others to have the problem, or maybe the soil, or the watering? Is there anything to do to save it or should I just toss it?

Answer
Hi Traci,

There are hundreds of Croton varieties as growers develop hybrids with different leaf shapes and different color patterns.

However, all Crotons require the same care. They need lots of direct sunlight, soil that is watered as soon as the surface feels dry, and relatively small pots. They are prone to spider mites, so look for dust-like particles on the undersides of the leaves. If you find them and want treatment instructions, let me know. Fertilize at half strength, but only when it is growing vigorously.

Your Croton is very leggy-looking as a result of the extensive lower leaf loss. New growth is always at the ends of stems, so the only remedy for the legginess is to prune back the leggiest stems by one-third to one-half. New growth will then emerge just below where you made the cut.

Your Dracaena marginata sounds like it is in bad shape and the symptoms reflect badly rotted roots. Once root rot sets in with marginatas, it is very difficult to reverse. Remove any soft, dark, mushy roots. If there are any healthy roots remaining, then pot it up in the SMALLEST pot that will accommodate the healthy roots and just enough soil to surround the roots. By using as little soil as possible, you will allow the soil and roots to dry out more frequently.

That said, the odds are against you and you may want to just toss it.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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