croton plant varieties

Are there different Croton plant varieties?

Banana Croton.
Bush on Fire Croton.
Eleanor Roosevelt Croton.
Gold Dust or Gold Sun Croton.
Magnificent Croton.
Mammy Croton.
Mrs. Iceton Croton.
Oakleaf Croton.

How many varieties of crotons are there?

Coming in different shades of green, red, ivory, orange, copper, pink, and brown, crotons offer a splash of color to wherever you plant them! This striking tropical plant comes in more than 100 varieties, making it quite tough to pick the best!

Is Croton a shade plant?

Croton has the best color in bright, indirect light. Croton does best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil. They need bright, indirect light when grown indoors. Outdoors they thrive in partial shade, and in cool climates can tolerate full sun if kept moist (and are acclimated first when moved from inside).

How do you identify a Croton?

'Magnificent' croton plant has leaves shape similar to 'Gold Dust'. They are large, broad and colored with shades of green, pink, yellow, orange, burgundy and deep purple. When grown outdoor it can reach a height of up to seven feet, though average height is about three to four feet.

Is Croton a good house 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. ... Some varieties of croton need high light, while others need medium or low light.

How do I make my Croton bushy?

You don't have to prune croton plants, but if lower leaves have fallen off and you want to encourage fresh growth, simply snip off the branches or stems at the desired height and the plant will soon fill out. To encourage a bushier plant, snip off the growing tips of each stem.

Do Crotons like full sun?

Croton plants prefer full sun, but depending on the species, some can tolerate partial shade. The amount of sun that the plant receives will correlate to the intensity of its color. In order to attain full, vibrant color, the plant should remain in good light.

Can Croton grow from cuttings?

When propagating crotons from stem cuttings, be sure that the bottom of the stem cutting is cut at a 45-degree angle and just above a node. You will see later that this is where the new roots will come from. The next step is to prepare your 5- to 8-inch long cutting for the rooting hormone.

Do Croton plants come back every year?

Even if freezing weather damages a croton severely, the plant almost always comes back, good as new, when spring arrives. Crotons need plenty of water. Even though they need good drainage they should not be allowed to dry out, which can happen in winter.

Can you split a croton plant?

You can take and root croton branches any time during the growing season. Just look for stems that are starting to turn from green to slightly woody.

Are Crotons poisonous?

Yes, the croton house plant is toxic for plants and people, but only if it's digested. ... However, the plant tastes terrible, and accidental poisonings are rare. If any part of the croton is ingested, it would cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, and in large doses could be fatal.

Do Crotons flower?

They do bloom, but their tiny, star-shaped yellow flowers are insignificant, hanging down in long clusters between the large leaves. Crotons are native to southern Asia and certain Pacific islands, where they grow as semi-tropical plants.

Are Crotons edible?

The leaves of this plant are edible and can be used as spices, in teas or as a basil substitute in your pesto. But always be sure to properly identify this spurge family plant as some plants in this family are toxic.

Do Crotons like coffee grounds?

Can I add used coffee grounds to the soil of my croton plant? Yes, you can use coffee grounds, they help with growth. Try not to use a lot, as coffee grounds hold in a lot of moisture and can become moldy.

Do Crotons die in winter?

Croton is very frost tender and will not survive freezing temperatures. ... The thing to remember is that these are tropical plants and are not suited for freezing temperatures which can kill the foliage and even the roots.

Why croton leaves fall off?

Heat and humidity – Croton plants are tropicals, meaning they thrive in warm and humid conditions. If your croton's leaves fall off, it could be that it's exposed to cold or hot extremes such as open doors or air ducts. ... Overwatering can damage the roots and cause croton leaf drop.

Can Crotons be rooted in water?

Croton can be propagated either in soil or in water. ... Then plant the stem in the soil. After 4 weeks your new plant will form roots under the soil and it will be a well-established plant. Water propagation is easy too.

What is the best fertilizer for Crotons?

The best fertilizer for crotons is a low-nitrogen, time-released, granular fertilizer, that has an 18-3-6 NPK ratio. You should sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring just as the weather starts to warm up.

How do you make crotons grow faster?

Fertilize croton in spring and summer to keep it healthy and growing. Crotons only need fertilizer once or twice during the season, but you can get them to grow faster by fertilizing more frequently. Follow the directions on the fertilizer package whenever feeding your plants.

Are Croton plants easy to care for?

The croton is an easy-to-grow houseplant known for its variegated foliage covered in green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches. Here's how to care for a croton in your home or garden.

Where do crotons grow best?

Many crotons grow best in full sun, but many cultivars can tolerate, and even prefer, light shade partial shade. Crotons are best grown in subtropical South and Central Florida. Frosts or freezes will damage them, but they quickly recover. When used outdoors this plant looks most attractive when grown in groups.

What type of soil do Crotons like?

Soil – Croton plants require rich soil. I use a combination of organic compost and peat moss. These plants require soil that drains well; they do not like to sit in a pool of water though, so the pot also needs to be able to drain as well.