How to Grow Croton Plants (Codiaeum variegatum)

How to Care for Croton

Place croton in a sunny location such as an eastern, southern, or western window. ...
Keep the soil evenly moist, but let it dry out between waterings.
If humidity is low in your home, mist around the leaves with water once a week or keep a tray of wet gravel near the plant.

How do you take care of a codiaeum plant?
What kind of soil does a Croton need?
Where do crotons grow best?
Can you root crotons in water?
Do Croton plants need a lot of water?
Are Croton plants easy to care for?
Why croton leaves fall off?
How often should I water Croton?
Do Croton plants come back every year?
Do Crotons die in winter?
How fast does Croton grow?

How do you take care of a codiaeum plant?

Water: Codiaeum needs to be in damp soil at all times. They do not respond well to soil that is wet or dry, and either will cause leaf drop. Watering with lukewarm water is recommended. Temperature: Croton also need warmth.

What kind of soil does a Croton need?

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.

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.

Can you root crotons in water?

Croton branches take about four weeks to develop new roots. Keep the soil between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the rooting process and water when it starts to dry out. You can also put the cutting in a clear jar of water at 70 to 80 F until roots form. This is a good way to monitor root development.

Do Croton plants need a lot of water?

The croton plant requires frequent watering, but be sure not to over-water. Too much water can cause root rot, but too little water can dry the humidity-loving plant out. You can use new croton foliage as an indicator of water needs, as it will begin to wilt when thirsty.

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.

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 been exposed to cold or hot extremes such as open doors or air ducts. ... Light – Croton leaf drop and a lack of fiery color can be caused by insufficient sunlight.

How often should I water Croton?

The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends providing 1 inch of water each week to garden-grown croton plants. Watch the plant for signs that it needs more water such as slight wilting in the young foliage. Increase watering if the wilting happens during hot weather, but check the soil moisture first.

Do Croton plants come back every year?

With diligent care these shrubs can live up to several years, whereas annuals normally last one growing season only. But you can also grow croton in the garden as an annual plant while living in the warmest climate zones. This perennial evergreen is popular both in gardens and as potted houseplants.

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.

How fast does Croton grow?

Crotons have a slow to moderate growth, at up to 12 inches in a growing season. Consistently warm temperatures, regular watering and bright, filtered light encourage faster growth.