DO NOT Fear,they may just be suffering transplant shock.I have several of these,and have given away several more.They do well here in S.ca,no matter where they are planted.They do go dormant in the winter months however,but always come back,with children :)

I have some in the shadier part of the yard,and some in full sun,those in full sun get more vibrant color than the ones in the shade.Although the shaded ones do have color also.

I think it's one of those plants you can't kill!!! Right now i probably have at least 6 or 8 of them in different areas around the yard.They throw out trailing roots,and if some come up where i don't want the i just dig them out and move or give away.

Here are a couple pictures of mine:

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Gorgeous. One of the prettiest plants ever.
I have only seen them dead in So Cal.
Renee

Renee,
I'm in S.Ca and they thrive on neglect here!!
Maybe it makes a difference if you're inland or along the coast,i'm along the coast.
Kathi

I think you're right, Kathi. Nice humidity, and no freezes. That would make sense, if they really are from Hawaii.
Renee

Yes they like humidity, which the coast can provide. Here is Weidner's comments on growing Breynia nivosa:

Here is a link that might be useful: Breynia growing in So Cal

What kind of soil is it in, mine was suffocated by the nursery cloth they wrap around the roots, I repotted and the new leaves it was putting out are now shriveling up and it's lost all its leaves. Now the stems have turned brown with little green left. I live in Nor. CA and it's hot out here. What can I do, he's my favorite plant.