How big do croton plants get?
Outdoor plants can reach 10 feet in height, but pot-grown specimens tend to be much smaller, making them suitable for permanent houseplants or indoor/outdoor container plants. Generally, croton grows relatively slowly, gaining less than 12 inches of height per growing season.
How far apart do you plant crotons?
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to grow as a hedge, though before you do, consider whether that much color will work well in your landscape or be too overwhelming. Crotons also grow well indoors as potted plants, but are unlikely to flower.
How big does a gold star Croton get?
'Gold Star' has narrow, pointed leaves and a medium growth rate that ranges from 24 inches tall in house plants to 10 feet tall in the greenhouse or outdoors. 'Petra' is one of the multitude of spectacularly colored crotons.
What is the botanical name for Croton?
Croton Plant Profile Botanical Name Codiaeum variegatum Bloom Time Indoor plants rarely flower Flower Color n/a Hardiness Zones 11, 12 Native Area 6 more rows ...
See more
How big do indoor crotons get?
How tall does a croton plant get? Croton plants can grow up to ten feet high, but dwarf varieties exist that are much shorter. Customarily, the croton plant does not exceed three feet in height. The plant is usually very full, however, as the large leaves cluster together to create volume.
How tall and wide Do Croton grow?
Different varieties grow different sizes, but you can find types that grow from 4 to 10 feet tall and wide. Most are relatively slow growers as landscape shrubs and take well to pruning. Once established, crotons are relatively drought tolerant, so they are easy to care for.
Are crotons fast growing?
How fast do croton plants grow? Croton are regarded as slow to moderate growers. Given plenty of bright light and consistently moist soil, your croton may grow as much as 12 inches over the course of one growing season.
Do crotons like sun or shade?
Croton plants develop their best colors when grown in bright light. As houseplants, they must be situated in a sunny window. They will tolerate medium light indoors, but won't grow much and foliage may revert to plain green.
How long do croton plants last?
two to four yearsHow long do crotons live? The average lifespan of indoor croton is two to four years. To keep your plant outliving its lifespan, take stem cuttings from a mature, healthy plant to propagate the plant. A plant living outdoors in the correct zone in ideal conditions will live longer.
Are crotons hard to care for?
Crotons have some of the boldest and brightest foliage around. Often vividly marked with bright yellow, orange, and red, these exotic plants have a reputation for being high-maintenance due to their tropical nature, but once they acclimate to their new home, they're quite low-care.
How often should I water croton?
Watering a Croton plant depends on the situation. It can be daily or weekly because you should never let the soil stay dry for an extended period. However, check if the soil is dry before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot. Keep your Croton plant evenly moist in the summer.
Are crotons low maintenance?
Croton shrubs are low maintenance, and can be pruned to keep them at a manageable size, even as small as three feet high. Plant the same type together for a more uniform color and look, or vary the type of croton for variety. They work well as container plants or grown in the ground.
Do crotons spread?
Depending on the type of croton, these slow-growing shrubs can eventually reach 6-8 feet in height and may spread 3-6 feet wide.
How do I make my croton plant more colorful?
Give it plenty of water and fertilizer, then when it is growing vigorously, cut it back severely. You can even lop it off below the bottom leaves, Bender says. It will soon respond with a new crop of colorful foliage. A croton in a container can be maintained as a small, bushy shrub by pinching it back frequently.
Do crotons lose their leaves in winter?
Crotons are sensitive to cold temperatures which can be a common cause of dropping leaves in the Winter months even indoors.
Why do the leaves keep falling off my croton plant?
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 been exposed to cold or hot extremes such as open doors or air ducts. A humidifier or a regular misting with distilled water will help your croton feel at home.
Do crotons spread?
Depending on the type of croton, these slow-growing shrubs can eventually reach 6-8 feet in height and may spread 3-6 feet wide.
How do you grow Crotons taller?
If you want your crotons to grow tall, give them a trimming at the beginning of the growing season. Get rid of the lower branches so that the plant focuses its energy on growing taller instead of spreading around. Keep the upper growth while taking most of the side shoots to give it an excellent, tree-like shape.
How often do I water my croton?
Watering a Croton plant depends on the situation. It can be daily or weekly because you should never let the soil stay dry for an extended period. However, check if the soil is dry before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot. Keep your Croton plant evenly moist in the summer.
What is the fastest growing houseplant?
14 of the Fastest-Growing Houseplants for a Nearly Instant Indoor GardenBurgeoning by Leafs and Bounds. ... Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) ... Asparagus Fern (Asparagus spp.) ... Burn Plant (Aloe vera) ... Grape Ivy (Cissus alata) ... Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) ... Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)More items...
How tall do Crotons grow?
In their native habitat, crotons like humid, warm conditions with dappled light and plentiful water. These plants are difficult to please indoors. Outdoor plants can reach 10 feet in height, but pot-grown specimens tend to be much smaller, making them suitable for permanent houseplants or indoor/outdoor container plants. Generally, croton grows relatively slowly, gaining less than 12 inches of height per growing season.
What is a Croton plant?
Croton Plant Profile. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". The croton ( Codiaeum variegatum) appears to have it all: colorful foliage, nearly limitless leaf forms, and even a cultish following. But these plants have a drawback: They're difficult to please indoors.
How to repot Croton?
Repot a croton in spring when needed. Use a container only one size larger than the plant's current container. Put 1 to 2 inches of damp peat-based potting soil into the new container. Turn the croton on its side and gently slide it out of its container.
Why do my Crotons have leaves falling off?
Crotons will drop their leaves at any hint of cool temperatures or cool drafts. Bring in the plant if your plant is in a pot outdoors and the forecast calls for temperatures dipping below 50 F. Insect activity can also cause leaves to fall, namely mites and mealybugs. Inspect the undersides of leaves closely for tiny eggs or insects. You'll need to clean off the leaves with insecticidal soap or treat the affected areas with horticultural oil to remove the pests.
Why are my crotons finicky?
Crotons are finicky plants. Cool breezes, insufficient humidity, and poor soil or insufficient nutrients will affect the health of this plant and can invite a host of problems, including pests, diseases, and a lackluster appearance. Control its environment as best as you can to keep your plant thriving.
What is the disease that affects Croton?
Croton is susceptible to a few plant diseases and pests. Crown gall is a common bacterial infection that affects croton. Crown gall appears like thick, swollen growths on the croton's stems and the veins of its leaves. If your plant gets this disease, it's recommended that you pull up the plant, discard it, and sterilize the container and gardening tools. It can spread to other plants and leave a wake of destruction in its path.
When to prune Crotons?
These plants respond well to trimming, so if a croton becomes leggy, prune it back hard at the beginning of the growing season, and move it outside. The plant will regrow from the cut portion. Vibrant leaf colors depend on the quality of light.
How tall do Croton plants grow?
In the wild, they grow as large shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall (in the home or garden, they stay a lot smaller). Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous—especially the seeds—so it is not recommended for use in homes with curious pets or children. When damaged, croton produce a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin, too.
What family is Croton?
Croton are members of the Euphorbiaceae family of plants, which makes them relatives of the poinsettia and the cast iron plant.
What is a Croton plant?
The croton is an easy-to-grow houseplant known for its varie gated foliage covered in green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches. Here’s how to care for a croton in your home or garden.
How to grow 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 tip over when the croton gets larger. Or, plan to pot up to larger pots over time. Use a well-draining potting mix.
How to keep Croton leaves clean?
Croton leaves are dust magnets. Gently wipe the leaves with a moist cloth twice a month to keep them clean and dust-free.
Can Croton be grown outdoors?
Croton like to be kept moist, but not wet. In areas with warm, humid summers, croton can be grown outdoors as a unique and colorful landscape plant . They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground.
How tall is Croton?
The many cultivars of croton include 'Gold Dust' and 'Gold Star,' which feature yellow splashed green leaves. 'Gold Dust' has oval leaves and averages 2 feet tall indoors and up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions outdoors.
Where are Croton plants native to?
Identification of Croton Varieties. Native to Southern India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, the croton's massively colorful leaves are its broadest appeal as a landscape plant. This broadleaf evergreen has foliage in stunning shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, bronze, green and purple, variegated leaf by leaf. Color varies widely, and the veins of each ...
Is Croton a winter hardy plant?
Often grown as tropical foliage house plants, crotons are winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 11. Although it grows relatively slowly, one or more croton cultivars are eye-catching additions to any houseplant collection or frost-free outdoor garden.
Can you plant crotons in the shade?
If you wish to plant crotons in the shade, make sure it is light and dappled, not deep, or the plant may lose its lower leaves, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Crotons prefer a medium amount of water and high humidity, so they appreciate frequent watering when weather is hot.
Is Croton evergreen?
Because it's an evergreen, croton's leaves provide winter interest along with its white flowers, which bloom seasonally but are not as striking as the leaves. The vibrant colors make croton an excellent plant to grow as a specimen or in a container, as well as a foundation planting.
Is croton poisonous?
All parts of the plant are considered poisonous; keep out of reach of children and pets. In addition, take time to sterilize your cutting tools before pruning or propagating crotons. Dip the blades into rubbing alcohol or Lysol, then allow to air dry before pruning your plants.
Can Crotons be grown in shade?
Too little light will prevent it from developing the brilliant colors that make croton a desirable addition to your tropical garden. If you wish to plant crotons in the shade, make sure it is light and dappled, not deep, or the plant may lose its lower leaves, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden .
