croton, (Codiaeum variegatum), also called variegated laurel, colourful-leaved plant of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) native to
Malaysia and the Pacific
and extensively cultivated.
Are Crotons native to Australia?
Native to Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, and northern Australia
, crotons are most often grown as houseplants, but they can be planted in containers outdoors for season-long color.
Where are croton plants from?
Despite the fact that its name sounds like it came from a space movie, the croton plant, or Codiaeum variegatum, is a perennial evergreen shrub, native to
India and Malaysia
. The name “croton” comes from a Greek word for tick, as the croton seed resembles a tick in shape.
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.
Is croton plant indoor or outdoor?
While croton plants
thrive in bright light indoors
, they will go into shock if you simply move them from your front room into the baking hot sun outside on the patio. If you want to enjoy croton plants outside during the summer, you need to get them ready for the move first (a process called “hardening off”).
What is the lifespan of a croton plant?
Regardless of the type, the average life span of this plant
exceeds two years
. But if you fulfill basic croton care requirements, it will continue to gladden your eye.
How do I make my crotons more colorful?
Get it in good shape first. 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.
Are Crotons easy to grow?
The croton is an
easy-to-grow houseplant
known for its variegated foliage covered in green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches.
How many types of croton plants are there?
Croton plants come in
more than 100 varieties
. In this guide we look at Gold Dust, Eleanor Roosevelt, Petra, Zanzibar and other types.
Do crotons grow from cuttings?
Cordylines and crotons are popular plant choices for gardeners in tropical and subtropical climates because they provide brilliant colour all year round. They’re also very easy to propagate.
Cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant
.
Do croton plants come back every year?
Yes
, croton plants are perennials. The word ‘perennial’ itself means “through the years.” A perennial plant like the croton will live through many growing seasons. Even if part of the plant dies (usually during the winter), it will use the same root system to regrow in the spring.
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 croton plants easy 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
.
Can croton plant stay outside?
Crotons (Codaeum variegatum), also called garden crotons or variegated crotons, are perennial evergreen shrubs that
do best outdoors in planting zones 9-11
, but are also popular additions to indoor landscaping in greenhouses or as house plants.
Do Crotons clean the air?
If you’re looking for color, it’s tough to beat croton. A popular houseplant, croton features wildly variegated leaves that often have more red, orange, yellow, or purple than green. A great choice for high-light spots, croton
sucks nasty VOCs from the air like
a champ. Check out more houseplants with colorful leaves!
