Growing And Maintenance Of Croton- A Whole Idea!
The botanical name of the croton plant is Codiaeum variegatum. It belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Croton has hundreds of varieties. It can grow at any time of the year. They grow best outdoors with suitable warmth and light. They can be planted indoors as well by maintaining the inside temperature. Also, a continuous mist can protect the leaves from spider mites. The popped colours of its leaves need optimal sunlight throughout the year. Usually, the croton plant can grow up to 8 feet tall, but when grown inside, they tend to grow according to the pot size. This makes them both outdoor as well as indoor plants.
Varieties of Croton
Petra
This variety of croton plants has deep, bright green colours. They have slow growth and are best for indoors.
Oakleaf
As the name suggests, this variety of croton plants has oak-shaped leaves. The leaves are red and green in colour. It’s very suitable for indoor planting. The one unique feature of this variety is that it can grow both male and female flowers on the same plant.
Eleanor Roosevelt
This species of croton has arrow-pointed shaped thin leaves. The leaves are a mix of red, orange, yellow, and even black. This can be grown both insides as well as outdoors, making them a perfect houseplant.
Goldstar
Goldstar croton has green leaves with a tinge of yellow making it look bright and beautiful. It makes the surroundings appear warm and vibrant. Any houseplant fertiliser can be used for the proper growth of this species of croton.
Conditions required for the growth of croton
Croton plants are not too fussy when it comes to the conditions they require to grow. Let us some basic requirements of these plants:-
Soil
The soil needed for croton has to be moist and not too wet. It should be rich in humus. Also, the pH of the soil should be neutral. Drying of the soil is also needed between watering.
Low humidity and warmth
Regions having warm and humid summers are pretty apt for croton to grow. As the plant grows upright, it needs to be checked whether the type of planter used is sufficient for it or not.
Watering
As mentioned, watering has to be adequately done and not so frequently. Proper gaps between waterings are a must for the soil to retain.
Caring for croton
Croton is a tropical plant which makes it grow best in humid conditions. Just timely misting and watering can do wonders. These plants cannot tolerate drafts or cold, so temperatures below 60 degrees must be avoided. Gently cleaning the leaves with a moist cloth can reduce the risk of falling off of leaves.
Are they toxic?
Crotons are non-edible. The crotons are poisonous, but there is nothing to be scared of. The level of toxicity of croton is comparatively low from many poisonous shrubs. The sap, which is released, has some irritant ingredients which can be toxic for cats and dogs. The irritant can cause some skin rash. It can also cause minor gastrointestinal infections in humans if ingested. The croton plant has to be kept away from babies and pets as they can come in contact with the white sap of the plant.
Summing up the information
As we can conclude, that croton has some unique properties which make it outshine the crowd. Whether it is the variety of colours of the leaves it can spring into or the less labour it requires to bloom into a lovely decoration piece for your home. The glossy and leathery leaves are so attractive that it will raise the whole vibe of the space they are planted in. minor care and attention can make the plant an outstanding addition to your house.