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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.
How do you care for an indoor Croton?
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.
Do Crotons like lots of water?
Crotons need plenty of water. Even though they need good drainage they should not be allowed to dry out, which can happen in winter. With a container plant, don’t let the soil dry completely before watering.
How do you know when to water a Croton?
The soil in which the croton is planted should remain moist but not constantly wet during spring and summer when the plant is growing. Feel the soil and if it is dry to the touch, it may be time for watering. In a dry environment, the croton may require misting to maintain healthy leaf growth.
Does Croton need direct sunlight?
Croton plants develop their best colors when grown in bright light. As houseplants, they must be situated in a sunny window. They will tolerate medium light indoors, but won’t grow much and foliage may revert to plain green.
Is Croton a good indoor plant?
Croton Indoor Plant The croton plant is often grown outdoors in tropical climates, but also makes excellent houseplants. Crotons come in a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors. Some varieties of croton need high light, while others need medium or low light.
Why do croton leaves turn yellow?
Under watering and low humidity can cause the leaves to turn yellow, die back and drop off. Over watering a croton also causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop off as a sign of stress.
How much water do Crotons need?
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.
Why are croton leaves falling off?
If you accidentally let your Croton’s soil dry out completely, you may see some leaves drop. It will benefit from a good soak in the sink or tub to properly rehydrate the soil. Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your Croton and cause leaves to drop.
Do Crotons clean the air?
Houseplants are known to help purify the air in your home and Crotons provide the same benefit. While absorbing toxins, indoor plants also release fresh oxygen back into our homes.
How do you water a croton plant?
Growing a Healthy Croton. Water regularly with lukewarm water to keep the soil moist. Use lukewarm water to avoid shock to the roots, and water when the top ½ inch (13 mm) of soil dries out. Stick your finger into the soil, and if the top feels dry, it’s time to water.
What is the lifespan of a croton plant?
The average lifespan of indoor croton is two to four years. To keep your plant outliving its lifespan, take stem cuttings from a mature, healthy plant to propagate the plant.
How cold can crotons take?
Though crotons can withstand short periods as low as 40 or as hot as 100 degrees, they prefer, and do their best, where the temperatures remain between 65 and 95 degrees. That does not mean you can’t grow them in your garden here. You just have to be prepared and committed to taking special precautions.
What is indirect sunlight?
Indirect sunlight is when your plant is in a shady area within an area that receives bright sunlight. It may be behind another plant or a piece of furniture. Partial sunlight is when the light is direct only during certain times of the day, such as in the morning or late afternoon.
Do croton leaves start green?
Croton foliage emerges green then usually turns yellow and eventually darker shades of red as the season progresses. Most evergreen trees and shrubs shed their old leaves as new foliage emerges.
Why is my croton leaves green?
When there is not enough light, new leaves are green and not predominantly yellow, red, or orange. If your croton is in a bright sunny spot, but the new leaves are coming in green, reduce the amount of plant food. Too much fertilizer. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food.
How do you make croton leaves shiny?
The safest way to make indoor plants leaves shine is to get them clean using a mild soap and water mix and keep your plant as healthy as possible. You can also add a tiny drop of mineral oil to the leaves if you want to make them extra glossy.
Are crotons hard to care for?
About. 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.
How can I make my Croton grow faster?
Tip. 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.
Why are the leaves on my croton limp and drooping?
This is almost always totally normal, and easily fixed. Crotons prefer their soil to stay consistently moist. Keep a consistent watering schedule–water when the top 2”-3” of the soil are dry. If you accidentally let your Croton’s soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly drop.
Do crotons do well in shade?
Crotons are relatively easy-going plants in the landscape, but they don’t tolerate wet feet well and should be planted in well-drained soil. They will thrive in either full sun or part-shade locations, though in shadier spots their colors may be more muted.
How do you revive a croton droop?
If your croton is drooping, check the soil and make sure it is getting the water and fertilizer it needs. Crotons need well-drained soil and grow well in sand or peat. Plants grown outdoors need about 1 inch of water each week. Be sure to irrigate if there is not enough rain.
