The magnificent croton is one of the most beautiful houseplants that bring amazing colors into your home.
The croton is a unique plant in the plant kingdom that can have such a vibrant rainbow of colors on the leaves. From golden yellow through orange or intense coppery red to different shades of green, the croton can have some beautiful leaves.
Due to the vibrant overflow of colors, crotons symbolize positive changes.
So crotons are traditionally given as gifts at major life milestones such as weddings or moving into a new home.
Plant Profile
Croton is an evergreen plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, native to tropical Southeast Asia.
In its natural habitat, the croton is a bush that can grow up to 10 feet in height. As a houseplant, croton’s can grow as a dense, branched shrub over 5 feet high.
The leaves of crotons have pronounced veins and are alternately large, firm, and leathery. The leaves can grow up to 10 inches long and 4 inches wide.
Depending on the variety, the leaf shapes can be oval but also three-headed, irregular, asymmetrical or banded elongated.
New young leaves have a light yellow-green hue, and with age, they transform into the variety of colors unique to crotons.
How To Care For Crotons
Crotons need bright indirect sunlight, moderate temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, well draining soil, around 70% humidity and moist soil or substrate in order to thrive. The leaves of a Croton will start to fall off when the plant is stressed. So make sure that the Croton is receiving the conditions it needs.
Temperature: Are Crotons Cold Tolerant?
Crotons are sensitive to low or cold temperatures. The minimum temperature a Croton can withstand is 40°F but only for a short period of time.
A uniform temperature throughout the year is the key to successful croton cultivation.
The ideal temperature for a Croton is between 65°F and 80°F. However, the most important factor with temperature is that there are no large temperature oscillations between day and night.
Typically large temperature swings may happen in winter if the Croton is placed near a window or doorway. The flow of cold air and sudden temperature changes will stress the plant and cause the leaves to fall.
Light: Where Do Crotons Grow Best?
Crotons need plenty of light to maintain the stunning colors on its leaves. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours a day of bright indirect light will help a Croton turn its green leaves into the iconic yellow, red, and orange colors.
Rooms with large windows facing east or west are ideal for growing this plant.
Place the croton as close to the light source as possible. You can place the smaller dwarf species of Crotons directly on the window sill.
Soil: Is The Croton Picky About The Growing Substrate?
Crotons grow best in a nutritious well-drained substrate that does not dry out too quickly.
Standard multi-purpose soils for houseplants mixed with 1/5 parts of perlite will fully meet the plant needs.
Another good combination that will make croton happy is a half-and-half mixture of peat moss and mature compost.
Fertilizing: To Feed Or Not To Feed?
Under appropriate conditions, Crotons are a plant with sturdy seasonal growth that can benefit from fertilizing.
Every three or four weeks, apply liquid mineral fertilizer intended for leafy houseplants. Use fertilizers that have an elevated level of nitrogen and potassium and stimulate the development of leaf mass.
The ideal fertilizer ratio for Crotons have the NPK (8-2-10).
Avoid fertilizing a Croton during its dormant period from November until March. Typically the plant will receive less daylight so there is no need to provide extra nutrients for the plant during winter.
Repotting: When Should I Repot My Croton?
The sensitive Croton does not like to be moved so report a Croton only when necessary.
Transplanting can cause stress so expect a few leaves to fall off after transplanting a Croton.
So repot a Croton only when the roots entirely fill the pot it is currently in. Typically a Croton will need to be repotted every 2 years for younger plants and every 3-4 years for older plants.
The new container should only be 1 inch wider than the previous one to allow for adequate room for growth.
Humidity: Is Misting The Croton Enough?
Crotons come from warm and humid regions and do not grow well in low humidity conditions.
The optimal humidity for a Croton is from 40% to 80%. Ideally the humidity should remain around 70% throughout the year.
It is much higher than average humidity level in our homes, but here are a few ways to increase the humidity for a Croton.
Three Simple Ways To Increase Humidity
- Misting the plant with a spray bottle
- Placing the plant on top of a pebble tray
- Using a humidifier
So misting the croton leaves is beneficial since it increases the humidity for the plant as well as washes off any dust and particulates that may have fallen on its leaves.
Misting is a great option, however, it is a bit laborious if you plan on misting it 3 to 4 times per week. And sometimes this is still not enough humidity.
Personally, I’m too lazy to frequently mist my plants, so I use pebble trays and humidifiers to increase the humidity for my tropical house plants.
Simple DIY Humidifier: Pebble Tray
Pebble trays are a simple and effective solution to providing more humidity to plants. A pebble tray is exactly what it sounds like – a tray full of pebbles.
In order to make a pebble tray:
- Select a shallow tray that is larger than the base of the plant’s pot
- Fill the tray with a single layer of pebbles
- Add water so it rises to about halfway up the rocks
That’s it! You have now created a simple but effective pebble tray for increasing humidity.
Next just place your plant on top of the pebbles and add water to your tray if it ever dries out.
Humidifier: Easy Way To Increase Room’s Humidity
An easier solution is to place a humidifier in the room with all of your tropical plants. A humidifier will allow you to adjust the settings to provide the right amount of humidity year round.
I use this humidifier in my room and the water reservoir lasts for about 2 days before needing to be refilled. I highly recommend it for a low maintenance way of keeping the room humid for your houseplants.
Water: How Much Water Does A Croton Need?
As soon as the substrate surface dries to a depth of 1/2 inch, it is time for new watering. Just stick your finger into the soil and it feels dry then the Croton needs to be watered.
Large and numerous croton leaves have accelerated transpiration which means that the plant has increased watering needs compared to other plants.
How To Water Croton Plants
Follow these steps to water a croton:
- Pour water around the base of the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet.
- Water abundantly until excess water starts to come out through the drainage holes.
- After ten minutes, remove all accumulated water from the tray.
In the winter, water less frequently, allowing the substrate to dry to a depth of 1 inch before watering.
Remember, Crotons prefer moist soil but doesn’t like sitting in water.
Pruning: Why Is My Croton Leggy?
Crotons grow fast which means it can turn into a scattered and leggy plant. However, Crotons looks exceptionally well when pruned or shaped into a dense and compact bush.
Croton’s lower leaves typically fall off naturally, so if you shorten the bottom bare stems or branches then the plant will quickly grow more.
A better way to prune a Croton is by pinching off the new growth at the top. Pruning the top of a Croton plant will help you to shape the plant and control the height. This will also encourage the Croton to get bushier.
Treat any incision site on a Croton with charcoal dust or cigarette ash to stop the flow of sap and quicken the healing process.
Propagating: How Difficult Is Propagating New Croton Plants?
Croton propagating is not a complicated procedure. With the top cuttings or stems without leaves, you can easily get new plants.
Crotons can also be propagated by seed, but this is a rather time-consuming process that requires specific greenhouse conditions.
Cuttings In Water
Follow these steps to propagate Croton cuttings in water:
- Cut a stem at a 45-degree angle just below the node, 4 to 6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in a clean glass with water and keep at 70°F – 80°F.
- Occasionally, add fresh lukewarm water maintaining approximately the same level.
- The rooting process takes a relatively short time, and in the next 40 days, the cuttings will develop enough roots so you could transplant them into separated pots.
Cuttings In Soil
Follow these steps to propagate Croton cuttings in soil:
- Instead of water, you can stick the cuttings, prepared in the same way, into a moist mixture of soil and sand in a ratio of 3: 2.
- Keep the substrate constantly moist.
- After 40 to 60 days the cuttings should have enough root development to be transplanted
The soil propagation method is effective, but sometimes, the cutting can rot due to the excessive moisture.
Personally I propagate new cuttings in water since it’s easier and you can see the root development.
Can Crotons Be Propageted From Leaves?
In many aspects, croton is an unusual plant. For example, its leaf will quickly take root if placed in water.
But don’t let that fool you!
The rootball developed from the leaves will only keep the leaf alive, and will not grow any new leaves. This means the leaf will survive but will not form a new plant.
Rooted leaves cannot produce a bud, and without the bud, there is no new plant! This unusual phenomenon even has a name – it is called blind cutting.
Stem Cuttings Without Leaves
Lateral stems left without leaves can serve as an excellent cutting from which a new Croton plant will develop.
The stem should be the thickness of a pencil and at least 5 inches long.
Never cut straight, always at an angle of 45 degrees, as this increases the cutting area and encourages root formation.
Follow these steps to propagate Croton stem cuttings:
- Insert the cutting into the prepared substrate so that one-third is in the substrate.
- After watering, cover it with a plastic bag that will allow increased humidity in the air around the stem.
- When you notice leaf buds along the stem, remove the plastic cover and wait for new leaves to develop.
Problems: What’s Wrong With My Croton?
Below are some common problems and solutions for Crotons.
Q: Why Is My Croton Dropping Leaves?
A: Leaf loss is the most common problem and an early indicator of stress on a Croton. This means the Croton is either receiving too much or too little water, light, or humidity. Once the Croton is in an environment that makes it happy then the leaves will stop falling off.
Here are some other tips for a Croton plant:
Give The Croton Time To Adjust
Croton is a plant that reacts strongly to changes in the environment. It often happens that the plant that you just brought home and carefully nursed will begin to shed leaves.
However, for a Croton, this is quite normal, so there is no reason to panic.
The adjustment process takes 3-4 weeks, after which the croton will start to grow new leaves.
Check The Growing Conditions
If the leaves continue to fall off then it is time to consider other options, including humidity and temperature, watering schedule, and amount of light since each of them can cause leaf rejection.
Before giving up your plant, try to adjust the conditions the plant is receiving.
Even a plant that completely loses its leaves has a chance to recover if you provide it with favorable surroundings!
Q: What Are Gray And Black Spots On The Croton Leaves?
A: Unfortunately, both fungi and Croton love moisture and heat, so fungal diseases are common on Crotons. Fortunately, the air in our living spaces is usually dry enough to prevent these issues from developing. Fungal disease may sound dangerous, but in your kitchen, you have a something that can effectively counteract the problem – vinegar!
Vinegar Remedy
Add one teaspoon of vinegar to a gallon of clean water, mix well and spray the leaves with the mixture every day until the fungus disappears.
Your home might smell like a salad for a few days, but the solution is very effective and will not harm the plant at all.
Q: Why Are The Croton Leaves Turning Brown And Feeling Crispy?
A: Crotons that are underwatered will have leaves that turn brown and feel crispy. Once the Croton is watered more frequently than the leaves will stop turning brown. Remove any brown parts of leaves as these will not recover even after watering the Croton more.
Q: Why Are My Croton Leaves Turning Yellow?
A: Excessive watering or poor drainage is the most common reason for the Croton’s leaves turning yellow. Do keep in mind that Croton’s can produce healthy yellow leaves but if the plant looks sick then overwatering is likely the culprit. You may be watering your plant in an acceptable amount, but if the substrate is not porous enough, water is retained around the roots regardless of quantity.
Pests: Do Croton Plants Attract Bugs?
A: Croton is no more or less attractive to common house pests than any other house plants. This means that pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids can occasionally appear on a Croton’s leaves. It is important to notice their presence in time and take appropriate action! By applying homemade remedies you can resolve any pest infestation.
Q: Can Crotons Grow In The Garden?
A: Crotons can grow outside in the garden in climate zones 10 and 11. This means a Croton can grow in southern Florida as a perennial that overwinters in the garden. However, do not place a Croton in a open area as direct exposure to the sun all day will cause burns on the leaves. Chose a bright area spot under a tree canopy where its amazing color will come to full expression.
Q: Can Crotons Spend Summer Outside?
A: Crotons can spend the summer outside as long as the temperature does not dip below 40°F. However, if the Croton is growing happily indoors then it is best not to move the plant. Remember Crotons can be stressed by changing environments which can cause the leaves to fall off.
Q: Can Crotons Grow In Water?
A: Crotons can grow in water as long as they are provided other conditions like humidity and fertilization. Keep in mind that growing a Croton in water is suitable for young and small plants but is impractical for large branched adult croton.
Q: Is Croton Toxic To Pets And Humans?
A: Like all other plants from the Euphorbiaceae family, Crotons have the white milky sap that leaks at any stem cuts. The sap contains substances that can cause skin irritation, and if it enters the digestive tract, it can cause vomiting and stomach problems in both humans and animals. So it is advisable to wear gloves when handling the croton.
Q: Does A Croton Bloom?
A: Only mature, well-adapted Croton plants produce flowers. They may appear in summer and resemble small fireworks of tiny white or yellow clusters which hang on long stalks between the leaves.
Q: Why Does My Croton Have Different Flowers?
A: Croton is a monoecious plant. The simplified translation of this complicated word would be ‘one house.’ It means that crotons produce two different types of flowers, male and female, growing on a single plant. The male flowers are white and star-shaped with five petals, and the female is yellowish and without petals.
Final Thoughts
The decorative value of a Croton has been known since the mid-18th century when it was first introduced to Europe.
However, in its homeland, Crotons do not only provide stunning colors but is also medicinal benefits in traditional medicine. The oil produced from croton seeds was used as a purgative and treating problems with bile, colic, clogged intestines, and malaria. It is said that two drops of the oil are a cure, and 20 are death!
At least for us, it’s best to stick with the decorative value the Croton provides.
