How to Grow and Care For Croton

Looking for a bold, colorful plant that brightens up any space? Well, look no further. Croton is also known as Garden Croton. It is a tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia and Oceania. Croton has wide varieties, which have specific shapes and striking patterns. It is one of the easiest houseplants that anyone can grow. This variation in this plant makes it a favorite for plant lovers. While they can grow to 10 feet tall in their natural habitat, the croton remains manageable in the house. In this blog, we will explore everything you should know about growing and caring for croton plants.


Common Name

Garden Croton

 Scientific Name Codiaeum variegatum

Family

Euphorbiaceae

 Plant Type Perennial or shrub

Sun Exposure

Partial or shaded sunlight to indirect bright light

 Soil Type Slightly textured and well drained soil

Bloom Time

Summer to early fall

 Flower Color Green, White, Yellow

Hardiness Zone

9-10 (USDA)

 Native Area SouthEast Asia and Oceania

Leaves Characteristics

Vibrant colored leaves

 Preferred Humidity 40 - 80%

Special Features

Ability to purify air

 

Guidelines for Croton Plant Care

It is important to mimic crotons' natural tropical habitat to maintain their health and color.

1. Sunlight

Crotons grow well in indirect bright sunlight. Too little intense light can cause the crotons to lose their vibrant colored leaves and turn them mostly green. Some varieties of this plant can handle partial or shaded sunlight but can not tolerate direct sunlight. This burns and damages the leaves of this beauty. So, to identify in which intensity of sunlight your plant thrives check out their leaves and modify the sunlight accordingly.

2. Watering Needs

To keep the soil moist and uniform, you need to water the Crotons regularly. The water requirements for Crotons are different in different seasons. In summer, you need to provide 1 inch of water per week. During winter, you need to water your plant biweekly. Be mindful of any signs of dehydration, like wilting of young leaves. Follow some watering tips for houseplants to water your Crotons properly. 

3. Soil Preferences

Crotons prefer soil that is rich in humus with slight acidity. They also thrive in a good textured soil for nutrient uptake. This can be achieved with the help of organic compost.

4. Humidity

Crotons grow best in 40-80% humidity. You can maintain this by using a humidifier. Spray the leaves with water, or place the plant on a tray with water and pebbles. Low humidity can cause leaves to fall off, while enough moisture helps the plant grow well.

5. Fertilizers

During the Croton’s active growth season, from spring to early fall, you need to feed your plant a balanced fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers or liquid feed every other month are ideal. Avoid fertilizing in winter because the plant grows more slowly during that time.

Variations of Croton

There are countless varieties of crotons, each with unique leaf shapes and colors. Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' has oval leaves with bright veins in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Codiaeum variegatum 'Gold Dust' has narrow, dark green leaves spotted with golden yellow. Large leaves in a mix of bronze, red, and purple tones.

Pruning and Shaping

To promote growth, prune it regularly. Cut off any long stems just above a leaf node at the start of the growing season, Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant in order not to stress it further. This helps them maintain their vibrant colors that help fight winter blues.

Repotting Croton Plants

Young crotons must be repotted every spring. Older ones will only need to be repotted when their roots outgrow the container. Select one pot size larger and make a fresh, fertile potting mixture. Water thoroughly after the potting process to help the plant settle. You also need to know the best practices for repotting.

Pests and Diseases

Like every plant, Croton is not immune to a few plant diseases and pests. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scales can attack these plants. To protect them, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Preventive action to avoid mites includes frequent misting, mainly in low-humidity conditions. 

Crotons are not immune to anthracnose (leaf spots) fungal infection. In order to make sure that these diseases do not damage your plant, remove affected leaves immediately, and use copper-based fungicides if needed. Bacterial crown gall requires the removal and destruction of the infected plant to prevent the spread.

Encouraging Croton Blooms

Crotons, as they rarely bloom indoors, only present pale green, star-shaped blooms in ideal conditions. Key tips on creating bright lighting, warm temperatures, and consistently moist soil would make them bloom. With their beautiful colors and easy care, crotons make a great addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. With these tips, you can appreciate the beauty and tropical charm of crotons for years to come.

How to Buy Plants From Eureka Farms?

We are licensed for a full-scale nursery with an extensive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest houseplant collection. If you want to enhance your curb appeal or turn your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms can guide you on how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. You can rest assured that we will handle the shipment with the utmost care across the country so that when your plants reach you, they will be as fresh as new. These indoor plants require less upkeep, improve home air cleanliness, brighten moods, and provide essential touches of the natural world to the work-from-home office. Happy Planting!