How to Fix and Care for Leaves Dropping From a Codiaeum Variegatum

Feel the top of the soil in the pot; it should feel like a damp sponge, but not soggy. Overwatered croton plants begin to rot and falling leaves are the first sign of distress. If the soil is wet instead of damp, stop watering until it dries out.

Stand directly above the croton plant pot to feel if any air vents blow on the leaves. Drafty conditions or dry air also cause croton leaves to fall off prematurely. If needed, move the croton pot to a new location.

Place a thermometer directly next to the pot and ensure that it stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Temperatures lower than this stress the plant and result in leaf drop. If the temperatures are too low in the plant's location, move it to a warmer one or place a heating mat underneath it set to 60 degrees F. Once this temperature is achieved don’t alter it – changes in temperature also causes leaf drop.

Increase the humidity for the croton plant by filling a spray bottle with lukewarm water and spraying the leaves daily. Crotons are a tropical species and if humidity is too low, the leaves can fall off.