Croton Plant – Codiaeum Variegatum

Croton plants (Codiaeum variegatum) are incredibly varied plants that are often grown as an outdoor plant. But in reality, if you know to care properly for a croton plant properly, it can make for a resilient and hard-to-kill indoor plant.

Croton Indoor Plant

The croton plant is often grown outdoors in tropical climates, but also make excellent houseplants. Crotons come in a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors. Leaves can be short, long, twisted, thin, and so on. Colors range from green, variegated, yellow, red, orange, cream, pink, and black to a combination of all these.

While choosing crotons for growing indoor, check the variety you have purchased to determine the light needs of the variety. Some varieties of crotons need high light, while others need a medium or low light and also said that the more variegated and colorful the croton plant, the lighter it will need.

Like many houseplants, caring for croton involves proper watering and humidity. Because it is a tropical plant, it does benefit from high humidity, so placing it on a pebble tray or regularly misting it will help keep it looking its best. Croton growing in containers should only be watered only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Then, they should be watered until the water flows out the bottom of the container.

Crotons Outdoor Plant

I remember seeing bushes of crotons in our garden when I was a kid. But, little did I know then that it was croton or it can also be grown indoors. We had yellow, red, green, and variegated one’s which no one really cared for much. Now, I know that these are easy to grow and care plants.

Crotons are stunning shrubs that grow to be five to six feet tall.  It’s a must-have plant in our garden outdoor as well as indoor.

Tips To Care For Crotons

Light: Crotons need plenty of bright light. Direct sunlight for at least a few hours a day is recommended, however, avoid the scorching midday sun.

Water: Crotons loves to be in damp soil at all times.

Temperature: Croton also needs warmth. They are happy in temperatures from 18-29°C but can cope with as low as 15°C, however, you must avoid draughts.

Toxicity: Croton sap is poisonous.  we need to keep these away from kids and pets.

Care tips(Indoor): Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust while kept indoor. Trim the plant small if they become too tall.

Air Purifying: Crotons filter airborne toxins.

Height Rate: Ultimate height 110-160cm with a moderate growth rate.

Humidity: Increased humidity levels are a must. We can place the plant on a wet pebble tray to improve humidity and mist frequently.  We can spray water or give a shower while kept indoors.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season.

Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Western Pacific Islands.

PLANTING CROTON

• When choosing a container for your croton, keep in mind that the plant will grow upright, which eventually may cause it to become top-heavy. Pick a container that won’t easily fall off when the croton gets larger.
• Use a well-draining potting mix. Croton likes to be kept moist, but not wet.

Propagation

Croton propagation is simple; all that is required is that you create a cutting from the top of the plant and place it in the soil to take root. This new plant will require warmth to take root. This needs warmth and humidity. One method of creating this is to use a plastic bag to cover the plant. Make sure to water the plant before you put the bag over it; the new plant should not need to be watered again until new growth begins to form and the plant takes root. You can also use seeds to plant new croton plants.