Croton is native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Key facts about Croton
Name – Codiaeum variegatum
Family – Araceae
Type – indoor plant
Height – 36 to 40 inches (0.8 to 1 meter) indoors
Exposure – very well-lit
Soil – soil mix
Foliage – evergreen
Care, repotting, watering and exposure, are items to focus your attention on that will make your croton even nicer.
It makes our houses and apartments look lively with its elevated ornamental impact and unique foliage.
Planting and repotting croton
Upon purchasing, if the pot is too small, proceed to repotting so that the plant may grow adequately.
After that, every 2 or 3 years and preferably in spring, repot your croton in a pot of a slightly larger size.
- Croton roots hate having too much water.
Double-check that the pot has a hole in the bottom.
Increase drainage with a layer of gravel or clay pebbles along the bottom of the pot, to make water flow through more easily.
- Good soil mix is needed.
The plant, when it lives indoors, needs soil mix because that is the only source for the nutrients it needs.
Pruning, and caring for croton
At the end of winter, if your croton has lost many leaves, feel free to cut it back even more.
That will stimulate the sending of new shoots and will rejuvenate your plant.
Where to place the croton
The best place to set up your croton is near a window that lets a lot of light through, but isn’t in direct sunlight.
- It is vulnerable to excess sun that might dry the plant up.
The more light a croton receives, the nicer its foliage.
- Absolutely avoid setting it near heat sources such as radiators, because moisture is what this tropical plant most needs.
Ideal temperatures are around 70°F (20°C).
Regular but moderate watering is called for.
All year long and especially during summer, spray the leaves to recreate the moisture levels of its natural habitat.
In spring and summer
Keep the soil mix moist and check that water drains properly.
Add green plant liquid fertilizer every 8 to 15 days during the growing phase.
- Spray the leaves on a regular basis with calcium-free water.
In fall and winter
Reduce watering and wait for the soil to be dry before watering again.
Stop adding fertilizer.
Common diseases that infect croton
Most diseases targeting the plant are common indoor plant diseases, red spider mites and scale insects.
Learn more about croton
A marvelous indoor plant, croton is however poisonous and must be handled with gloves to avoid risking intoxication.