When choosing a houseplant, the main objective is usually to beautify and enhance every corner of the home. Their lushness and colour bring us positive energy. That is why, when looking for ornamental species, we usually prefer to choose those with flowers of spectacular shapes and intense colours that fill us with sensations. However, to achieve the same effect, flowers are not absolutely essential, as the leaves of some plants are equally or even more spectacular than the most beautiful flower. An example of this is the Croton. today we'll talk about Croton care, so you can add it to your list of favourite plants!
Croton: Description, cultivation and care
From the genus codiaeumyof the euphorbia family, it originates from the Malaysian region. Its main features are without a doubt its fantastic, colourful leaves and its easy care.
Slightly irregularly shaped, green leaves grow from its strong stem. A peculiar feature is that the "veins" of the leaves vary in colour, sometimes even covering the leaf surface almost completely. The range of tones goes from red to yellow, passing through pink, purple or chestnut.
There are not many species of this genus. There are only about 14 varieties in their region of origin. The most commonly used as a domestic plant are the variegatum, in which the veins of its irregular, small and intense green leaves acquire a great variety of tones, and the pictum, with larger and more oval leaves, in which the red and its tones take centre stage.
How to grow croton
The Croton is a plant that, although it is not usually very demanding, does need some care in terms of the amount of light, watering and humidity. To enjoy your Croton at its best all year round, just follow these simple guidelines:
- Location
The place where the plant will be placed is one of the fundamental requirements for its correct development. This type of plant cannot withstand abrupt changes in temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to look for a place away from radiators or air conditioners. And, of course, it is important to avoid draughts. This rules out placing them at the entrances to the house, or in front of windows, doors and, in general, areas with a lot of traffic.
- Soil
The Croton's favourite substrate is rich in nutrients, slightly acidic and well drained. This can be achieved with a combination of leaf mould, peat and river sand, all of which meet all the necessary conditions.
- Light
High light is very necessary for the good development of Crotons. However, it is important to avoid direct sunlight or to place it near glass that creates a magnifying effect in order to avoid possible burns on the leaves. Bright light will intensify the colouring, whereas direct sunlight will only burn the plant.
- Temperature
The Croton needs not only a warm climate, but also a constant temperature with little variation. This makes it an ideal species for indoor cultivation, and highly inadvisable for outdoor cultivation. The appropriate temperature would be between 20-25 degrees Celsius.
General care
- Watering
Considering the tropical origin of the plant, it is obvious that, like the rest of its congeners, it needs good hydration and high humidity. When watering, it is important that the substrate is always kept moist, but never waterlogged. The roots are very shallow, and over-watering could have fatal effects.
As with other plants from tropical environments, it is highly recommended to sprinkle water on the leaves from time to time with a spray bottle.
- Fertilisers and fertilisers
This plant grows very quickly during the warmer seasons. Therefore, in spring and summer, it is advisable to dissolve liquid fertiliser in the irrigation water every two weeks to provide it with the necessary nutrients. In winter and autumn, once a month or even every two months is sufficient. The ideal composition of the fertiliser for Croton is 15 parts nitrogen, 9 parts phosphorus and 15 parts potassium.
sKU:CM8046,CM8047]
- Multiplication
Croton is propagated by cuttings.
This operation is carried out during the spring months, as follows: with a sharp knife, cut a portion of branch, about 10 cm long, taking care to leave some buds and several leaves. When the cuttings are cut, the stem releases latex, so the incision site must be plugged with powdered charcoal.
The cuttings are planted in a substrate of peat and coarse sand to encourage rooting. The container with the planted cuttings is covered with plastic and placed in a shady place at a temperature of about 20º. The soil should be kept moist and the plastic should be removed daily to avoid excess condensation.
When the first shoots appear, this is the sign that the croton has taken root. Remove the plastic and move the pot to a sunnier spot. From then on, the plant can be treated like any other adult unit.
If you like large-leaved, original plants more than flowering ones, the croton is definitely the plant for you.
choose any of its attractive varieties to enhance any corner of your home!
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