Hi all, I inherited this plant and is not doing so well. I would love to know what it is and how to care for it. Thanks! Diagnosis
Looks like it's too wet. Check soil moisture. Another thing that can make house plants look like this is mites.
Looks like Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) and I second Ron's suggestion to watch out for Spider Mites. Crotons are magnets for them. HTH Chris
Thanks guys! The spider mites diagnosis seems to be right on point as verified by cobwebby gunk showing up on the leaves. Are there any good (non-pesticide) ways of dealing with these things? I have cleared the dead leaves from the plant. Thanks! Diag
Horticultural oil or Neem oil however it will require several treatments a over ten day to two week a period and you risk phytotoxicity if mixing too concentrated a solution. HTH Chris
You could also use Safer's Incecticidal Soap, which is basically a really mild soap solution and also environmentally friendly. I swear by it because it kills mites dead dead dead, and has no phytotoxicity problems.
Safer's Insecticidal Soap is a good, or a little alcohol and water mix. (Alcohol 1 parts alcohol to 9 parts water, or a little stronger in a spray bottle) Spray either enough so the plant is dripping wet, including under the leaves. You might want to cover the soil with something. Just make sure your croton stays out of the sun until it's completely dry with the "alcohol and water mix" or leaves can turn white.
Thanks for the help. Hopefully now I can take care of those spider mite buggers before they learn how to get online and start ordering stuff from Amazon. I will try the diluted alcohol solution. I think I will use Jack Daniels, that is strong stuff. No, obviously I am just kidding. Everyone knows spiders love whiskey. I'll use Creme de Menthe. -diag
