Leaf drop

[annafl]

Since Hermine dropped eight inches of rain in our garden, the crotons have been undergoing leaf drop. Many that were once nice and full, are thin or getting thin and dropping leaves every day. Some did have some spider mites in the past, but now there are few or none to be seen and leaves continue to drop. Even many that have never had mites are dropping leaves. Some have a tiny dark spot or two scattered on the back of leaves. I don't know what that is, but many don't have anything visible. Does anyone know what this could be and what I could try to stop it? I keep picking up leaves just in case there's any disease I don't see, but I'm at a loss here and really want it to stop.

 

[Phil Stager]

This time of year leaf drop is pretty normal. I expect more with cooler temps and less daylight.

 

[annafl]

Thanks, Phil. I was wondering if it could be less light. They do get quite a bit of light in the summer and some get much less sun now. However, I don't remember this happening the last couple of falls. Not to this degree anyway. We've only had one day of cool weather (40's) before today and it started well before that. Do you notice a lot of drop now or just a little more than normal?

 

[Phil Stager]

Normal but tonight will be the coolest in 9 months but nothing abnormal for this time of year in central Florida

 

[Judy Glock]

Ana, I have had a tremendous amount of leaf drop in Ft Myers, as well. Shorter days, cooler nights and maybe some spider mites. We did spray. Jeff's crotons, on the east coast and my crotons in the Keys look great! Different climate zones, I guess.

 

[annafl]

Thanks, Phil and Judy. I guess I'll have to get used to it and just see if it's worth continuing to grow these plants that don't like my climate. We'll see if there's any leaves left by spring.

 

[fawnridge]

It's too dry. Irrigation keeps things alive, rain makes them grow. Without rain, Crotons drop leaves like dandruff.

 

[JoseLopez]

Since Hermine dropped eight inches of rain in our garden, the crotons have been undergoing leaf drop. Many that were once nice and full, are thin or getting thin and dropping leaves every day. Some did have some spider mites in the past, but now there are few or none to be seen and leaves continue to drop. Even many that have never had mites are dropping leaves. Some have a tiny dark spot or two scattered on the back of leaves. I don't know what that is, but many don't have anything visible. Does anyone know what this could be and what I could try to stop it? I keep picking up leaves just in case there's any disease I don't see, but I'm at a loss here and really want it to stop.

Ana,

Crotons tend to grow like trees 10-15 feet . When they start to grow, trunk shows more and drop leaves at the bottom. In my experience, I trim at the top so it gives you more branches and leaves. This may be a reason for leaf loss. Try to keep soil very moist and drain well. Try to see if this works.

 

[annafl]

Thanks, Jose. Early spring I will have to do air layers or just prune, prune, prune. We have watering restrictions here, but I do what I can. Thanks again.