Croton

Croton

Croton plants develop their best colors when grown in bright light. As houseplants, they must be situated in a sunny window. They will tolerate medium light indoors, but won't grow much and foliage may revert to plain green.

Does croton like full sun?

Many crotons grow best in full sun, but many cultivars can tolerate, and even prefer, light shade partial shade. Crotons are best grown in subtropical South and Central Florida. Frosts or freezes will damage them, but they quickly recover. When used outdoors this plant looks most attractive when grown in groups.

How poisonous is croton?

Toxicity:1-2 Exposure to juice or sap from these plants or a puncture wound from the thorns may produce a skin rash or irritation. Ingestion may cause minor symptoms such as rash, vomiting or diarrhea.

Are croton plants hard to care for?

Crotons have a reputation for being a little fussy. They're evergreen shrubs native to Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, which gives plenty of clues about their care – they need lots of bright light, warmth and humidity in order to thrive.

What is the lifespan of a croton plant?

How long do crotons live? The average lifespan of indoor croton is two to four years. To keep your plant outliving its lifespan, take stem cuttings from a mature, healthy plant to propagate the plant. A plant living outdoors in the correct zone in ideal conditions will live longer.

Where should I put crotons in my house?

Place croton in a sunny location such as an eastern, southern, or western window. If a croton is getting too little light, its newer leaves will be less colorful. Keep the soil evenly moist, but let it dry out between waterings.

How often should you water croton?

Watering a Croton plant depends on the situation. It can be daily or weekly because you should never let the soil stay dry for an extended period. However, check if the soil is dry before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot. Keep your Croton plant evenly moist in the summer.

Do croton plants last all year?

Yes, croton plants are perennials. The word 'perennial' itself means “through the years.” A perennial plant like the croton will live through many growing seasons. Even if part of the plant dies (usually during the winter), it will use the same root system to regrow in the spring.

Do croton plants get big?

Croton is a small shrub used as a landscape plant in tropical climates. In its native habitat, croton is a branching, bushy shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall but those offered as houseplants are usually much smaller than the wild plant. The large, thick, leathery leaves are 2 to 12 inches long and quite variable.

Can I touch croton plant?

Croton. This is another very common houseplant that must be kept out of reach of kids and pets. Its leaves are so toxic that even coming in contact with them through touch alone could have bad results. It also contains an oily substance that causes vomiting if ingested.

Why do people not like croton plants?

As for Crotons, Warwick says, "people are easily drawn to the croton because of its bright, vibrant colors." However, these plants are notoriously finicky. They are magnets for common plant pests such as mealybugs, scale, thrips, or spider mites.

Are croton plants cancerous?

Phorbol, from Croton spp., has a carcinogenic effect and is used in tumour research.

What causes croton leaves to fall off?

Heat and humidity – Croton plants are tropicals, meaning they thrive in warm and humid conditions. If your croton's leaves fall off, it could be that it's been exposed to cold or hot extremes such as open doors or air ducts. A humidifier or a regular misting with distilled water will help your croton feel at home.

How do you make a croton bushy?

Pinch off the new tiny leaves the pinching of the leaves will force the plant to produce 2-3 new

Do crotons survive the winter?

Since Crotons are Tropical Plants (not sub-tropical) they cannot tolerate cold spells, or extended ones—when the temperature drops down to 32 or lower—so we must add protection, and in particular for young plants.

Can you grow a croton from a cutting?

To propagate your croton, you'll need a three- to four-inch cutting from a healthy plant with at least three to five leaves. 3. Use a rooting hormone. Dip the cut end of your stem into a rooting hormone, then place it upright in a container with drainage holes.

When should crotons be pruned?

Croton pruning can be done at any time of the year but avoid cutting the plant when a cold snap is forecast and when it is in its most active period of growth. These perennials don't really go dormant but they do not produce new leaves and other growth in the cooler season.

Do croton plants flower?

Crotons are generally bushy plants with large, leathery, shiny leaves. They do bloom, but their tiny, star-shaped yellow flowers are insignificant, hanging down in long clusters between the large leaves.

Do crotons clean air?

BREATHE EASY WITH PETRA CROTONS Houseplants are known to help purify the air in your home and Crotons provide the same benefit. According to the EPA, the level of pollutants in our indoor air is significantly higher than the air we breathe outdoors.

Do crotons like small pots?

Select a pot with good drainage. When choosing a container size, look for a container that's about ⅓ larger than the plant's root ball. If you live in hardiness zones 10 and 11, such as southern Florida, you can skip the container if you want to plant the croton directly into the garden.

14 Croton Images