Garden Detective: Adapting a croton plant to the indoors

As tropical plants, crotons require humidity, so keep them away from heating vents and radiators. (You might want to run a humidifier if the air is very dry.) Cold drafts also could be to blame, so if the window is drafty, move the plant farther away. You also mention that you've had the plant for 17 years, but not whether you've repotted it recently. They should be replanted into the next size pot (2 inches larger) every two years. Use a rich, sterile potting mix that will drain well.

Otherwise, just keep doing what you're doing, don't fertilize over the winter and be careful not to overwater. When the soil is dry (stick your finger deep into the pot to gauge the moisture level near the roots), water until water runs from the holes at the bottom of the pot. After 30 minutes, discard the water in the saucer and don't water again until the soil dries out. Good luck!

Scale is not easily treated with insecticides because the insects have a waxy coating that protects them. I suspect your tree has gone through overlapping generations that you're noticing when you bring it indoors.

Picking scale off by hand is usually effective. The easiest way to do this is to give plants a bath. Mix two teaspoons of dish detergent (not soap) into a gallon of lukewarm water and wash the plant with a soft brush to dislodge scale, then rinse. If the alcohol-and-cotton-swab trick didn't work, you might opt for picking them off with tweezers. If these methods fail, insecticidal soap or a fine horticultural oil spray can be applied, but these products are only effective when scale is in the newborn, crawler stage. Follow label directions.

Removing the leaves altogether is a mistake: The plant needs them to produce food for itself, absorb sunlight and breathe. Without leaves, plants become stressed, which makes them even more susceptible to insect attack. And you are correct: Your lemon tree would not survive a New York winter outdoors.

I'm guessing the soil isn't draining well because it's too heavy (clay) or compacted. The drainage capacity of clay can be improved by incorporating generous amounts of compost, which will also add nutrients to the soil. Compaction can be alleviated with core aeration to improve water and air penetration into the soil so moisture doesn't linger on the surface.

If the area gets sufficient sunlight, I assume another risk factor for moss, too much shade, isn't an issue. Check that downspouts aren't directing water into the beds. If they are, reposition them toward better-draining areas. If a soil test reveals too much acidity, incorporate dolomite lime (follow package directions).

There are commercial products to eradicate moss, but, in addition to posing a danger to yourself, children, pets and wildlife, they may kill the other plants in your garden as well. What's more, they offer only temporary relief from moss if drainage, pH and fertility aren't corrected.

Meets: Monthly on Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Location: Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay

Dues: $10

Contact: 516-759-6691, lidaylily.org

With more than 200 members dedicated to growing, promoting and enjoying daylilies, this club holds meetings and outings that include guest speaker presentations, tours of members' gardens, a public plant sale, members-only auction, periodic silent auctions and door prizes at most meetings. Annual events include a picnic, potluck lunch, luncheon and a daylily show accredited by the American Hemerocallis Society.