Reviving a Leggy, Leaf-Dropping Croton: Repot and Restart

Diagnosis

8-year-old croton (Codiaeum) is leggy from age. Lower leaf drop with healthy top is natural aging, not a care error.

Solution

1. Repot into fresh soil, larger container.
2. Cannot root bottom "stick"; only the top crown roots.
3. New soil stimulates basal shoots for fuller form.

Propagation

Root the top 12–18 inches in moist mix with humidity; discard the woody base.