Question
Hi Will
I have a Croton Zanzibar, which was growing beautifully until last month, June and suddenly it is dropping all its leaves.
It is 50 cm high is in a 30 cm pot and is growing in an indoor plant room which is slightly heated and watered once every 10 days (more often in the summer) it gets full indirect light.
I live in Melbourne Australia. Could you please tell me what is wrong. It was my pride and joy and I would hate to loose it.
 Regards   Marion

Answer
Hi Marion,

I suspect that root rot is the problem, as the pot is too large for a Croton that size. A pot half that size would be more appropriate.

When a pot is too large, the excess soil retains moisture for too long and slowly rots the roots. The above ground symptoms don't show up for quite some time and often after considerable root damage has occurred.

I suggest that you unpot your Croton, remove the excess soil around the core rootball, and move the plant into a smaller pot that will create a moderately rootbound condition. If the root damage is not too severe, you should see some gradual improvement and healthy new growth.

It may also be appropriate to prune back any stems that are now leggy due to leaf loss.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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