Croton Plant (Codiaeum variegatum pictum) is one of the most beautiful foliage plant I have ever come across. Its yellow, orange, green and golden mix leaves glow when lit with bright sunlight. Crotons belong to It grows 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. But this plant need a lot of caring to grow indoors. It produces white, small flowers in winter. It is member of Euphorbiaceae family and native to southern India, Sri Lanka , Malasia and western pacific ocean islands.
Propagation
Crotons are easily propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in spring ( around March, April ) from existing croton and dip in rooting hormones for better odds of success before putting in potting mix. It will take around 1 month to root.
You should avoid growing crotons from seeds as there is less chances of success also croton grown from cuttings only resemble parent plant. Seed grown croton will show lot of unwanted variation.
Container / Pot
Crotons are suited to grow indoors in container. Use medium sized container. Repot in bigger one when container gets too crowded.
Soil
Use well drained peat based potting mix. You can use red garden soil too. It works well. Dry air or soil will cause croton leaves to fall off.
Sun / Temperature
Sun light is very important factor as croton�s leaves vibrant color depend on bright light. Give croton bright indirect sun light. They thrive in dappled sun light. Growing indoors keep temperature between 60 � 85 � F (15 -30 �C ) always.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist in summer and reduce watering in winter to biweekly. Mist daily if possible as they are high humidity loving plant. Wash plant leaves to maintain glow.Fertilizer
Use liquid fertilizer on biweekly basis.
Repotting
Repot the plant when crowded. Plant generally does not need pruning as it grows as a bushy plant.
Real time pics-
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Growth in Croton in rainy season
Check out growing tips for other plants like Money Plant, Night Blooming Jasmine, Marigold, Hibiscus.
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