I inherited this plant (I have no idea what it is) from my son when he moved from Oregon to Colorado. It was doing well - lots of new growth - until I treated it for bugs with Dexol Systemic House Plant Insecticide (Diethyl S ?). Then the very unusually shaped leaves (one healthy green leaf showing in the picture) started turning red and falling off. Can anyone tell me what it is? And can it be saved? I really like it, but am losing the battle. Thanks in advance.
maybe the soil is too watered down and the plant is in need of warm sunlight?? add more soil or change it into a bigger/deeper pot? the stem is so skinny and frail. sometimes cutting it down helps. it may grow new shoots/leaves. but it may also die. good luck!
It looks like a type of Codiaeum variegatum, (Common name Croton). There are many named varieties. I won't give you advice on how to care for it, as I lost mine. I think it didn't like being near a heater vent in the winter. I've heard they like to be bottom watered, but I haven't tried it to find out if true. Also likes bright indirect light (though I've seen some people growing them outdoors in full sun). Good luck! Here's a link to pix of many beauties: http://www.crotons.net/rarelib.html Mine was 'L. M. Rutherford', I believe.
Thanks for both of your responses. Rosemarie, I looked at the link you posted and it is definitely a croton - most likely a Claude Lorraine. You've given me what I needed to research it's care and propagation. Many thanks!
