Leaf Dropping

[Littlegatorfarm]

Hi everyone. I plated a number of small Mrs. Iceton's into the ground a couple months ago. It seems about half them have dropped many leaves and look like skeletons of their former selves. I'm trying to figure this out what caused this. Next to the skeletons are some that still look full and nice so I'm really puzzled by it.

 

[Littlegatorfarm]

Could this be a result of overwatering? The area stays pretty damp, and get splash from the grass irritation near by that runs 3 times a week.

 

[Phil Stager]

Pretty normal since it is winter - less sunlight, less rain, lower temps. A light fertilizing and some warm weather and they should bounce right back.

 

[Native son]

I see this often you might want to add pine bark, oak leaves or any thing you can get to help get more acid soils. I am constantly working to lower my soil ph with loads of mulch.

 

[fawnridge]

In addition to everything else that's been said, keep in mind that Crotons want to grow into small trees, thus the dropping of lower leaves and the growth of a main trunk is common.

 

[VeroKarl]

Many of my recently planted crotons are dropping leaves like crazy as well, but I am not overly concerned. Like Phil said this happens some winters depending on temperature, rain, etc. I need to add more mulch and wait for rain and warm weather. I will fertilize once the weather changes. Give it time they should be fine. I know root rot can be a problem with really saturated soil, but unless you are getting considerably more rain and have constant irrigation I can't imagine that you are having that problem now.

 

[Littlegatorfarm]

Thank you for all the responses. So it's not overwatering?

I have access to lots of coffee grounds. That should lower the ph and add nitrogen. I'm on it!