Question
QUESTION: Hello, I live in the midwest & have a daisy tree. I have brought the tree in for winter & since I've brought it in, it has failed to florish.  In fact about 1/3 of the tree looks as if it is dying off (losing leaves & branchs are becoming hard).  The remainder of the tree is doing ok although the leaves will go limp at times.  I'm careful not to overwater. I have it in a decent, but not large pot as the tree is only 2 ft tall right now & I rotate it to ensure sun exposure.  I really don't know what else to do.  I've wanted one of these trees for years & now I'm ruining it.  I hope you can help!  Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Kay,
The issues you are describing are common amongst blooming tropical plants that must endure cold winters indoors.  The reduced sunlight and dry indoor climate will cause many tropical plants to go into a semi-dormancy.  Make sure the plant is exposed to as much sun as possible (an eastern or southern exposure).  Water sparingly and do not feed during the winter.  You may prune off any small areas of dead branches but don't prune too severely.  Some of the foliage will drop and it will probably stop blooming if it already hasn't.  In the Spring, after the last frost and your outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50癋/10癈, take the plant outdoors and place in the shade for 10 days.  After that, put the plant in full sun, water regularly and feed with a balanced fertilizer 12-12-12 according to the directions on the package.  The plant will come out of the dormancy.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Thank you so much for the information, it is greatly appreciated. One more question:  I know the plant is not yet very big, but I am wondering about pot replacement.  I definitely want it in a new pot for spring-cosmetic purposes more than anything, but am wondering when the best time is to make the switch.  Is it better to do it now while it is in a more dormant state or later in the spring when it has new life?  I have been leary about changing it because of the problems I listed previously.  

Thanks for you time!  Greatly Appreciated!

Answer
Hi Kay,
Thanx for the question.  Yes, during dormancy or semi-dormancy is the safest time to transplant.  I'd go ahead and take care of that in the next couple of weeks.  Transplant to the desired sized pot after you have broken up the root ball and trimmed the roots so they are not compacted and rootbound.  Then plant slightly deeper in the pot with rich potting soil.  Water and leave in the sunlight.  I hope this helps.
Tom