Croton
Crotons are one of the most vibrant foliage plants to have in your collection. Another winner for the sunny location and they also work well for that sunny patio area. Just check frequent for watering if outdoors during the warm months and bring indoor for the fall/winter. If you want that instant tropical feel it’s hard to pass on a Croton. To sustain the vibrant foliage you need to ensure you are getting enough light on your Croton. If you are seeing your plants produce less color and are not as vibrant it could be due to not enough light.
Light -
Direct Sun- High Light - West/South Facing windows.
Temperature & Humidity:
Tropical plants do best in a humid and slightly warm environment. They thrive best above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and they love a light misting of water.
If your plant gets too dry, it may begin to develop brown tips on its leaves. In the event that this happens, placing it next to a humidifier will help avoid further damage to the leaves.
Crotons are another wonderful tropical houseplant that can live outdoors during the summer. Just remember that as the temperature starts to cool down in the fall you start bringing it indoors before temps drop below 55 degrees. Also don’t forget to spray them with neem when you bring them from outside to indoors as a preventive measure against bugs .
Water:
Water well. Check every 5-7 days.
ensuring all excess water drains and plant is not sitting in any excess water. (Always recommend pots with drainage holes and saucers)
Crotons like good drainage and like to stay evenly moist.
Misting allows this high humidity plant to thrive and show off its leaves.
Overwatering - can cause your plant to die, and wilted or soft leaves that have yellowed are often a sign of overwatering. It is preferable to keep your soil slightly moist, letting it dry out in between waterings and if in doubt let it dry out! Many different factors can change your watering schedule.
Sunlight and seasons affect how quickly a plant will drink water and you just adapt to those changes. That’s what makes it fun!