Croton

The Croton is a real high-flyer in the plant world. With leaves in just about every color of the rainbow, you can say that there are few houseplants with such a striking appearance. Actually, Croton is the old Latin name and is now called Codiaeum, but the name Croton is still so popular in many countries that it is used more often than Codiaeum. The Croton is a plant that needs some love and attention, but it will reward your efforts with lush, vibrant foliage!

Toxic to pets and children
Repot once every 2 years
Fertilize once a month
Bright, indirect light

Get your Croton on...

Croton Gold Dust (S)

Lee-Anne

1400

24 cm tall

10 cm pot

Croton Petra (S)

Lee-Anne

1200

20 cm tall

10 cm pot

About the Croton

The Croton originates from countries such as India, Indonesia and Malaysia. You can still find the Croton in these countries on forest edges and in open fields. There are hundreds of different varieties of Croton, the main difference being the color of the leaves!

While Crotons may not excel in air purification, like all houseplants, they contribute to converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

When a branch or leaf breaks off, Crotons release a white sap that can cause mild irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. It's important to prevent children or pets from ingesting it. In case of ingestion, it's advisable to seek medical attention.

Caring for a Croton

Watering is crucial for Croton care, hailing from tropical regions, it thrives in consistently moist soil. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as it can be detrimental to the plant's health. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is not waterlogged. Check soil moisture weekly, watering when it starts to dry out. In summer, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Remember, the water needs may vary depending on the plant's environment. Croton care isn't always a walk in the park, but the effort pays off!

Crotons thrive in ample sunlight, enjoying direct sunlight for several hours daily. However, during peak heat hours, it's advisable to shield them from intense sunlight to prevent leaf burn, particularly in summer. Avoid placing them near heaters, as this can also cause leaf damage. Increased exposure to sunlight results in brighter foliage. To enhance color, move darker Crotons closer to windows temporarily. Ideally, position them about three meters from south-facing windows and one meter from windows facing west, north, or east. Crotons tend to lean towards light, so rotating them regularly helps maintain their upright growth.

During summer, Crotons benefit from supplemental nutrition, such as standard houseplant fertilizer. As winter approaches, they enter a dormant phase like other houseplants, requiring no additional feeding.

In tropical climates, Crotons are commonly used for landscaping as hedges and shrubs, reaching heights of up to 5 meters. In open ground, their roots can freely expand, resulting in more growth. To encourage larger growth at home, repot your Croton into a larger pot every two years. Even if you prefer to maintain its current size, refreshing the potting soil every three years will help ensure adequate nutrition.

While Crotons or Codiaeums produce stunning flowers in the wild, this is rarely observed in indoor varieties. If your plant grows too large, you can trim it by carefully removing the largest leaves. Cut the leaf entirely, up to the stem, while being cautious of the white sap, which may cause skin irritations.

Croton SOS

Unfortunately, Crotons are prone to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs thrive in drafty conditions, while spider mites proliferate in overly dry air. Combat both pests by spraying the plant with warm water or placing it under a warm shower. If showering, ensure the soil is covered by a bag or foil to prevent overwatering the roots. Regularly misting the plant with a plant sprayer can also help keep pests away!