Author: Elena N. https://floristics.info/ru/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=19 Category: Houseplants Published: January 03, 2019Last edits: January 11, 2021
- Growing from seeds
- Croton dropped its leaves
- Croton variegated (variegatum)
Croton (or codieus) is the most beautiful representative of indoor decorative foliage plants. Its dense glossy leaves amaze with the variety of shapes and colors in the autumn palette. The seeds of crotons growing in nature are used to obtain medicinal oil, and valuable resins are extracted from some species.
The cultivated croton is a terrible sissy, constantly demanding love and attention. But this elegant bush is so charming that you will readily forgive all its whims, especially since from our article you can find out:
- what conditions does croton need;
- what care will make the plant look as attractive as possible;
- how to protect croton from diseases, pests and other problems.
General information about the plant
Croton is native to the tropical forests of Eastern India, the islands of Southeast Asia and Indonesia. In nature, this plant reaches a height of 3 meters. However, variegated croton and its hybrids, which do not grow more than 1.5 meters, are grown indoors.
Croton flowers are small and inconspicuous. Therefore, the main decorative function is carried out by its bright leaves, with various patterns, depending on the variety, having different, sometimes bizarre shapes.
Croton varieties and names
There are only 15 species of codiaum in the wild. Thanks to the work of breeders at home, we can grow its new bright varieties.
Codiaum variety Mammi
A bright plant with unusually shaped leaves. Narrow wavy leaves, even on the same plant, can have different colors: red, green with yellow or pink splashes.
Codeium Excellent
An elegant bush whose leaves resemble oak. The leaf blades contain many colored veins of golden yellow and red. The brightness of the leaves depends on their age; the older the leaf, the more red shades it contains. Young foliage has a green-yellow hue.
Croton Mrs. Eyeston
Large-leaved codiaum with oblong-shaped leaves, pointed at the ends. Young leaves also have a green color with yellow veins, but over time they acquire pink, red, orange shades, some of them become dark green, almost black. The veins on the leaves are dark in color.
Codium Mix
In stores you can find plants called “Codiaeum Mix”. This suggests that the batch includes several varieties. The main feature is that their upper leaves have a clear edge of the same color as the leaf veins. The leaves are about 20 cm long.
Croton Sunny Star
One of the most beautiful sunny varieties of croton. The bright yellow color sometimes occupies almost the entire part of the thin tongue-shaped leaf. Numerous shoots with graceful leaves are especially decorative.
Codiaum aucubifolia
Bright yellow spots seem to be splashed on the dark green leaves of this plant. The leaf blades are narrow and have an oval-pointed shape. The variety is especially loved by flower growers.
Motley
Able to change the shape and color of foliage, depending on external factors. Due to this, it is used to obtain new varieties and hybrids that are very different in appearance.
Narrow-leaved
This group is distinguished by long, up to 30 cm and thin, about 1 cm leaves.
Splashes of champagne
The long narrow leaves of this variety are colored rich green. The brightness of the plant is added by numerous yellow spots of various diameters and shapes, which are located along the entire length of the leaf.
Zanzibar
It looks very exotic in the interior. Its long, narrow leaves have shades of green, yellow and red. All these colors collected in one Zanzibar bush make it especially bright and unusual.
Petra
The most famous and best-selling variety of croton. Large, sinewy, ovoid leaves reach 30 cm in length and form a compact decorative crown. The main feature of Petra is the very thick veins that run from the center of the leaf blade. Green and yellow colors predominate. Only older leaves take on a red tint.
Reviews
Croton is popular among users. According to reviews, this plant is unpretentious and even a novice gardener can care for it. In addition, codiaum has a thick and bright crown that complements any interior. And with proper care at home, croton practically does not get sick.
In general, the attractive croton will decorate your collection of home flowers, because it is decorative and grows quickly. Moreover, growing the plant is not that difficult. The main thing is to follow the recommendations and provide proper care for Croton at home.
Features of cultivation
It takes a long time for a plant to get used to new conditions when purchased or transplanted. For croton to feel good, it is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity for it.
In order for the codiaum to retain the pattern and brightness inherent in the variety, it is necessary to provide it with long daylight hours and bright lighting. However, it is worth remembering that the scorching rays of the sun can cause burns to the leaves. Therefore, when placing a plant on southern windows, you should think about shading so that the light is bright but diffused.
Meaning for home
Esotericists attribute very strong energy to croton, which can even change the atmosphere in the house.
Did you know? Codiaum is considered a vampire plant that happily feeds on the vital forces of household members, so it is better not to grow such a flower for weak, elderly and unhealthy people, especially those suffering from insomnia.
At the same time, croton will make strong and self-confident people even more successful. This flower perfectly helps you collect your thoughts, believe in your capabilities, increase self-esteem, set a goal and follow it without retreating. Codiaum also harmonizes perfectly with creative and independent people, and helps sad pessimists look at the world more positively.
The plant is credited with the strange ability to develop oratory abilities, the ability to persuade in an argument - mainly due to the ordering of thoughts and the acquisition of calm self-confidence.
Taking into account all the described properties of codiaum, you can make a list of those for whom this plant is suitable, and for whom, on the contrary, it is undesirable to have it:
| Lifestyle and character traits with which croton harmonizes | Lifestyle and character traits with which croton conflicts |
| love of order | indiscipline, chaos in thoughts and deeds |
| phlegmatic, self-confidence | prone to hysterics |
| problems with communication and selection of arguments in a dispute | increased talkativeness (will increase even more) |
| inability to force oneself to carry out plans | workaholism (requires another plant that promotes relaxation) |
| creativity, creative profession | spontaneity in decision making |
Did you know? Croton flowering is considered a bad omen. That is why, when buds appear, it is recommended to remove them immediately, but even after this, exercise extreme caution in deeds and actions, trying to understand what exactly the flower was trying to warn about.
In general, we can say that the codiaum is suitable for those people who want to change and overcome difficulties, and not obediently go with the flow. For this reason, it is very useful to install in offices.
Croton is a very beautiful decorative foliage plant that needs to create conditions that are quite difficult to provide in an ordinary city apartment. However, by finding the right balance in lighting and providing the flower with regular watering, as well as maximum air humidity, with the help of this amazing representative of the Euphorbiaceae family, you can turn your home into a real tropical garden.
Croton care at home
To make friends with a croton and tame its finicky temperament, a gardener must know how to create comfortable conditions for a pet.
The soil
Croton prefers alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5–7.4. To prepare the soil, peat, humus, and coarse sand are mixed in equal proportions and fertilized abundantly with humus.
Transfer
Plants are delivered to stores in a special transport substrate that does not allow air to pass through well. Therefore, after purchasing the croton, it is necessary to replant it.
But do not rush to replant the plant on the same day. A change of environment is a stressful situation for a sensitive codiaum; do not add additional shocks to it by changing it. Give it at least a week to adapt to the new conditions.
Croton transplant process:
- prepare a wide but shallow pot with drainage holes;
- pour a 3-centimeter layer of expanded clay or other drainage;
- pour some soil into the pot;
- carefully remove the plant from the old pot;
- carefully clean the roots from the substrate;
- place the plant in a new pot so that the roots do not come into contact with the drainage;
- add soil and water the plant.
Subsequently, transplantation is carried out in spring or summer. Young plants are transplanted annually into pots that are 3–5 cm larger than the previous ones. Adult specimens that are older than 3–4 years require replanting only after the root system fills the space of the pot.
Lighting requirements
Good lighting for croton is necessary. After all, it is thanks to light that all varieties of this plant develop their individual variegated color. With a lack of light, its leaves will be almost completely green.
In summer, codiaum needs bright but diffused light. Protect it from scorching sun rays, which can leave burns on the leaves. It is better to shade southern windows a little with light fabric.
In winter, if there is a lack of natural light, it is recommended to provide the plant with additional lighting with lamps.
Temperature
Croton grows well at temperatures from +18ºС to +25ºС. The optimal air temperature is considered to be in the range of +20–22ºС. This temperature regime must be maintained all year round.
Sudden temperature changes should not be allowed. Croton reacts sharply negatively even to watering with cold water. After which the edges of the plant's leaves turn brown.
Pinches
Croton branches well and thanks to pinching you can form a beautiful dense crown. In young plants, pinch off the top when they have reached a height of 15 cm.
Important! After pinching, it is necessary to treat the sections with a crushed tablet of activated carbon.
Watering
Water the croton with settled water at room temperature. Watering is carried out quite often, immediately after the top layer of soil dries 1-1.5 cm.
Important! Stagnation of water in a pot can lead to rotting of the roots, so the pot must have drainage and holes to drain excess liquid.
Air humidity
In a city apartment it is difficult to create the tropical forest humidity desired for a plant. But you can bring the conditions closer to its natural habitat:
- To increase humidity, you can place a humidifier or a tray of water near the crotons.
- It is advisable to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every morning and spray plants with small leaves.
- Regularly arrange a warm shower, which cleans the foliage of dust. It is important to cover the earthen ball so as not to over-moisten the soil.
Fertilizers
The period of active growth in croton begins in May and ends in October. At this time, it is necessary to feed the plant once every 1–2 weeks. A liquid complex fertilizer, such as Oasis or Ideal, is well suited for this. Before fertilizing, you need to water the plant.
In winter, croton grows much more slowly, so fertilizing is required less often. It is enough to apply fertilizer once every 3-4 weeks.
Regular application of fertilizers not only ensures good growth of the plant, but also enhances the brightness of the color of its leaves.
Bloom
With proper care, croton blooms regularly in the summer. When flowering, the plant produces an arrow on which small fluffy balls of cream-colored flowers bloom.
Croton is an ornamental deciduous plant and its inconspicuous flowers do not give it much charm, but take a lot of energy from the plant. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend cutting off flower stalks immediately.
Lifespan
If you provide Croton with the necessary living conditions, you can enjoy the beauty of this plant for 10 years or more. Unfortunately, not all beginners are able to “agree” with this tropical beauty and often its lifespan is no more than 1 season.
Air humidity
In its natural environment, croton lives in tropical rainforests, so for normal growth and development of the flower it is important to create similar conditions. A special device – an air humidifier – will help with this. If you do not have such a device, then place containers filled with water next to the pot. In addition, in winter, keep the plant away from central heating radiators and other heat sources.
Regularly spray the codiaum foliage with warm water from a spray bottle and wipe them from dust with a damp sponge. In summer, carry out this procedure 2-3 times a week, in winter – 2 times a month. During the hot season, give your pet a warm shower. But make sure that water does not get on the soil. To do this, wrap the pot in polyethylene.
Croton in winter
The content of croton in winter is not much, but still differs from summer conditions. Watering is reduced a little, but they adhere to the rule that the earthen ball should always be moistened.
Wiping the leaves and spraying is carried out a little less often. But it’s better to avoid showering in winter.
Priming
For good development, codiaum needs loose, well-fertilized soil. A ready-made mixture for decorative foliage plants, which you can buy in a store, is perfect.
To make your own soil, mix in equal proportions:
- turf land;
- deciduous soil;
- peat;
- sand.
Heat the mixture in the oven for 30 minutes to kill fungi and other harmful microorganisms that may be present in the soil.
Pot
A young croton is transplanted annually into a shallow pot, slightly larger than the previous one. Mature specimens need to be replanted every 2-3 years when the roots begin to peek out of the drainage holes.
When choosing a new pot, give preference to a slightly larger one, the diameter of which is approximately 5 cm larger than the previous one.
Location
Heat-loving croton grows and develops well at temperatures of +18–25ºС. Temperatures that fall outside this range - above +26ºС and below +18ºС have a detrimental effect on the plant.
With prolonged cold temperatures below +14ºС, croton can get sick, shed all its leaves and die.
The plant does not tolerate drafts, so it is not recommended to place it near an open window or even take it out onto the balcony in summer.
Eastern or western windows are most suitable for placing croton. In the summer heat, shade the plant a little so that the scorching rays of the sun do not burn the leaves.
In winter, it is advisable to move the plant to the sunniest windowsill.
Location
Croton is a light-loving plant, and the variegated color of its leaves largely depends on the lighting. But prolonged exposure to direct rays is contraindicated for the flower. Therefore, when providing proper care for Croton at home, focus on the weather and time of year.
In spring and autumn, an eastern or western window sill will be the ideal place for a flower. In summer, move the pot to the northern part or move it deeper into the room. In winter, on the contrary, place the flower on a southern windowsill or illuminate it with a phytolamp.
Croton needs fresh air. At any time of the year, do not forget to ventilate the room, but protect the flower from drafts - it absolutely cannot stand it. Therefore, during ventilation, take your pet to another room. In summer you can keep the plant on the balcony. But choose a place with diffused light for the flower.
Croton propagation
Croton propagation by cuttings
Croton is propagated by apical or stem cuttings - this is the easiest and almost always successful method. You can take cuttings and propagate croton this way throughout the year.
The most favorable time for cutting cuttings is early spring, before the plant begins to actively grow.
Reproduction process:
- select and cut a cutting 6–10 cm long, which has one internode with an adult leaf and a bud;
- Rinse off the milky juice on the cut or dry it with a napkin;
- cut the largest leaves on top of the cutting in half, they take away the strength of the shoot;
- remove the lower leaves;
- keep the cuttings dry for a couple of hours so that the cuts dry out;
- After the cuts have dried, place the shoots in warm water for rooting.
It is important that the water temperature during rooting is 25–30ºС. You can also add a growth stimulant to the water.
To ensure that cuttings take root easily, it is better to cut them from woody shoots.
When the roots reach a length of 2–3 cm, the croton can be planted in the ground.
Croton propagation by air layering
Reproduction process:
- choose a strong, woody shoot that has no foliage;
- at a distance of about 10 cm from the end of the stem, carefully cut off the bark to expose 1 cm of the trunk;
- Treat the cut area with a growth activator;
- wrap with wet sphagnum moss;
- cover with a bag and secure.
Next, moisten the moss regularly until aerial roots appear. This will happen in approximately 4–6 weeks.
After the aerial roots grow, the stem is cut off and the seedling is planted in the ground.
Croton propagation by seed
The most labor-intensive method of propagating croton. In addition, it is important to know that:
- seeds do not convey the properties of the parent plant;
- they lose their germination very quickly after ripening;
- Before sowing, be sure to disinfect the seeds.
Reproduction process:
- select the largest seeds;
- disinfect the grains by immersing them in hot water for 30 minutes;
- keep for a day in water at room temperature or a growth stimulator;
- pour loose, sterilized substrate into the pots;
- make holes in the ground, 1 cm deep;
- Place the seeds in the holes and cover them with soil;
- moisten and cover with plastic.
After the emergence of seedlings, the greenhouse is gradually opened. And when the third leaf appears, transplant the seedlings into separate pots.
Croton propagation by leaf
It is impossible to grow croton from a leaf. If you put a leaf in water, then after some time roots will appear on it, but the plant will not develop further. For successful propagation you need a leaf, at least 1 bud and part of the stem.
Environment
Proper home care of croton is based on “three pillars”: high humidity, optimal temperature and necessary lighting. If the optimal parameters of these categories are observed, croton is almost not capricious.
Humidity
Croton prefers high humidity (70–80%) environments. Codiaum feels good if there is a humidifier or just an open container of water nearby. You can also use a double pot with a layer of wet peat or moss; pour pebbles or moss into the tray, moistening them periodically.
Croton requires daily spraying and weekly leaf wipes. If this is not done, then there is a risk of spider mites infesting the croton. The tree will be grateful for a periodic shower or bath.
The frequency of basic water procedures is determined by the plant, but showers are stopped during the dormant period. Reduce the intensity of watering: the lump should be slightly damp.
The number of spraying and wiping should be reduced during the heating season, if there are no radiators nearby. Otherwise, the plant needs to maintain high humidity and regulate watering.
Temperature
Comfortable temperature for a flower: 20 ᵒC–26 ᵒC. If it is higher, it should be moistened more often. Croton responds well to fresh air: in warm weather it is placed on a loggia or balcony.
Croton has a negative attitude towards drafts and significant temperature changes. In winter, it should not touch a cold window, and watering should only be done with water at room temperature.
The dormant period is expressed by slowing down and stopping the development of the bush, and takes place in the winter season, from November to February. The optimal temperature for this period is 18 ᵒC, and below 17 ᵒC is already dangerous for the plant, it freezes.
Croton pests and diseases and possible problems
If croton is in unfavorable conditions for it, various diseases and pests may appear.
Pests that can settle on croton: nematode, mealybug, spider mites, scale insects.
Red spider mite
Most often, croton is affected by red spider mites. These are small, barely noticeable insects that live on the underside of leaves, entwining them with cobwebs. The cause of spider mites is usually poor watering and insufficient air humidity.
Shchitovka
Scale insects rarely attack croton. If small brown plaques appear on the leaves, then the plant is affected by scale insects and in order to save it, you need to take measures to remove it.
You can get rid of pests by wiping the leaves with a soapy solution or treating the plant with an insecticide that can be purchased at the store.
Croton dropped its leaves
If you notice that your croton has dropped its leaves, move it to a warm place. In the cold, the root system cannot function normally and moisture does not reach the shoots and leaves well.
The leaves wither and dry (the tips of the leaves dry out)
The lower old leaves dry out and fall off over time - this is a natural process. The edges of the leaves dry out from lack of watering. If dry brown spots appear on the leaves, the plant is cold, you should move it to a warmer place.
Croton sheds its leaves
Falling leaves can occur due to insufficient watering, too dry air, coolness in the room or drafts.
Also, the cause of leaf falling can be stagnation of moisture and rotting of the roots. In this case, you need to cut off the apical cutting and re-root it.
Croton growth is very slow
During winter, plant growth naturally slows down. If croton does not grow well in spring and summer, this means that it does not have enough light.
Gray or brown spots
Gray or brown spots on the leaves are a manifestation of anthracnose, a fungal disease that usually appears due to high soil moisture. To cure the plant, it is necessary to treat it with a fungicide every 10 days. Up to 4 such treatments are carried out.
Withering
The cause of leaf wilting is usually a lack of light or watering. Move the croton to a brighter place and gradually increase watering.
Important! You should not immediately overwater the plant.
How to rejuvenate croton at home?
If the plant is elongated, has a long bare stem and you are not satisfied with its appearance, you can rejuvenate the croton by cutting off the apical stalk. This technique helps to wake up the lateral buds. And the cut cuttings can be rooted.
Watering
Frequent but moderate watering is the basic rule of home care. Croton, the photo of which is given in the material, loves moist, but not wet soil. And stagnation of moisture at the roots leads to rotting and even death of the flower. Therefore, take watering seriously.
Make sure that the soil does not dry out to a depth of more than 2 cm, and always drain excess moisture from the pan. On average, you need to water a flower every other day in summer, and in winter it is enough to moisten the soil once a week. In general, be guided by the conditions in your apartment. For watering, use soft, filtered water at room temperature, standing for at least a day.
Is the plant poisonous?
Croton is poisonous. When its juice enters the stomach, all the signs of food poisoning appear.
All work with codiaum should be carried out with gloves, and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
Croton is an amazingly beautiful, but capricious plant. With proper care and attention, it will decorate your home for many years with its unusual variegated foliage. To understand what a flower lacks, pay attention to its condition. You just have to be patient and you will definitely make friends with this handsome guy.
Top dressing
Without additional feeding, codiaum leaves quickly lose their variegated color, which affects the decorative appearance of the plant. Therefore, regular application of fertilizers is an important rule of care. Feed Croton from late March to early November twice a month with liquid solutions of complex mineral fertilizers. Carry out this activity strictly after watering. Otherwise, fertilizers will burn the roots of the flower.
In winter, the plant enters a dormant period, so at this time the flower does not need feeding. As a last resort, apply fertilizer no more than once a month.
