Can a Croton live outside?
The Croton (Codiaeum variegatumis) is a low-maintenance colorful evergreen shrub that is native to Malaysia and India. There are many hybrid varieties of Croton and their shiny multicolored variegated and thick leaves are some of the most colorful in the plant world. They thrive indoors in direct sunlight above 65 degrees and outdoors in zones 10-11.
Can you grow Croton outdoors?
Since croton hardiness is limited to freezing and even slightly above, northern gardeners should not attempt to grow the plant outdoors except in the warmest days of summer. Position the plant so it receives plenty of bright but indirect light to keep the foliage colors bright. Also, place the plant where it will not experience cold northern winds.
How to plant crotons outdoors?
- Light: Crotons love the sun but cannot stand direct unfiltered sunlight. ...
- Water: Like the sun these plants love moist soil. ...
- Soil: A well-drained pot will give you the healthiest crotons as they like moisture but despise being soaked. ...
- Fertilizer: Fertilizing the soil that crotons grow in is the most important. ...
Where to buy croton plants?
Recommended Varieties
- ‘Petra’ is a popular cultivar. It has green leaves with red, orange, and yellow veins.
- ‘Gold Star’ has green leaves that are splashed with bright gold “stars.”
- ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ has skinny leaves that range in color from burgundy to lime green. ...
- ‘Oakleaf’ has oak leaf–shaped dark green or bronze leaves with veins in yellow, orange, and red.
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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.
Will croton survive winter?
Croton is very frost tender and will not survive freezing temperatures. Southern gardeners in frost free zones should have no problem growing croton plants outside. Anyone who lives where there are temperatures that near freezing or 32 degrees F. (0 C.), even temperatures that hover in the 40's (4 C.)
Do Crotons come back after winter?
Cold knocks the bottom leaves off." Even if freezing weather damages a croton severely, the plant almost always comes back, good as new, when spring arrives. Crotons need plenty of water. Even though they need good drainage they should not be allowed to dry out, which can happen in winter.
Can I leave my croton outside?
Crotons are tropical plants that thrive outdoors in warm temperate areas. These plants do not like cold weather, so make sure that the temperature remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Humidity is also tolerated by the croton plant, so areas like Florida will present the perfect outdoor growing space.
Are Crotons year round plants?
They're considered a perennial evergreen shrub and do well outdoors year-round in frost-free places like Central and South Florida (USDA zones 10 and 11).
What temperature is too cold for Crotons?
Since Crotons are Tropical Plants (not sub-tropical) they cannot tolerate cold spells, or extended ones—when the temperature drops down to 32 or lower—so we must add protection, and in particular for young plants.
What is the lifespan of a croton plant?
two to four yearsHow long do crotons live? 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. A plant living outdoors in the correct zone in ideal conditions will live longer.
Do Crotons lose their leaves in winter?
Crotons are sensitive to cold temperatures which can be a common cause of dropping leaves in the Winter months even indoors.
How do I care for my crotons after freezing?
Reactive Care to Frozen Croton In the case of an unexpected cold snap, bring the croton plant indoors (or cover it outdoors) as soon as possible. Croton varieties shed their leaves as a response to the cold; however, the plants shouldn't be pruned right away. Wait until warm weather comes back and check for new growth.
Can you plant a croton in the ground?
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.
Is croton an indoor or outdoor 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.
Can croton grow on ground?
In areas with warm, humid summers, croton can be grown outdoors as a unique and colorful landscape plant. They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground.
Where do crotons grow?
In the United States they are commonly grown in southern and central Florida.
What color do crotons grow?
Croton plants produce their most vibrant colors when exposed to plenty of sunlight, while crotons planted in shady areas tend to produce mostly green hues. Bright artificial light can be used to enhance the growth of indoor crotons.
What is a croton?
Crotons are perennial shrubs popular both in gardens and as potted houseplants. They are best known for their vibrant, colorful leaves, which come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Crotons are native to tropical environments and diligent care is required in order to achieve the best results.
How long do Crotons live?
Crotons are perennials, which means that with the right care your croton plant can live for several years. Unlike annuals, which last for only one growing season and must be replanted the following season, perennials will continue to grow for several growing seasons.
What is a Croton plant?
The croton is an easy-to-grow houseplant known for its varie gated foliage covered in green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches. Here’s how to care for a croton in your home or garden.
How tall do Croton plants grow?
In the wild, they grow as large shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall (in the home or garden, they stay a lot smaller). Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous—especially the seeds—so it is not recommended for use in homes with curious pets or children. When damaged, croton produce a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin, too.
How to grow Croton?
When choosing a container for your croton, keep in mind that the plant will grow upright, which eventually may cause it to become top heavy. Pick a container that won’t easily tip over when the croton gets larger. Or, plan to pot up to larger pots over time. Use a well-draining potting mix.
How to keep Croton leaves clean?
Croton leaves are dust magnets. Gently wipe the leaves with a moist cloth twice a month to keep them clean and dust-free.
What family is Croton?
Croton are members of the Euphorbiaceae family of plants, which makes them relatives of the poinsettia and the cast iron plant.
What color are the leaves on a petra?
Recommended Varieties. ‘Petra’ is a popular cultivar. It has green leaves with red, orange, and yellow veins. ‘Gold Star’ has green leaves that are splashed with bright gold “stars.”. ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ has skinny leaves that range in color from burgundy to lime green.
Can Croton be grown outdoors?
Croton like to be kept moist, but not wet. In areas with warm, humid summers, croton can be grown outdoors as a unique and colorful landscape plant . They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground.
What is a Croton?
Croton. Croton, a perennial with woody stems and roots, features leathery, smooth-edge, oval- or lance-shape leaves in bright colors. These colors are often combined in patterns involving blotching and striping, and sometimes the color changes as the plant ages. Native to Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, and northern Australia, ...
What color are Crotons?
You'll find a kaleidoscope of colorful leaves on a croton plant, including yellows , pinks, oranges, bronzes, reds, purples, and greens. While most plants may feature a simple variegated leaf with a clean edge of cream or gold, crotons go all out. The variegation comes in an endless variety of patterns. The most common, though, is a croton leaf boasting brightly colored veins and margins with the bulk of the leaf being a deep green. Other types feature spotting or speckled foliage with a backdrop of green, while still others develop leaves that emerge one bright color and fade as they age. Most crotons have large leaves, but there are some small leaf types and very narrow leaf types that can add lovely texture to a garden.
Why are my Croton leaves turning green?
In too much shade, the colors can become washed out and muted and the plants' leaves will be much more green. If you are planting a croton outdoors, select a spot with dappled light. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burning and scorching, especially on the lighter-color varieties.
Do crotons have large leaves?
Other types feature spotting or speckled foliage with a backdrop of green, while still others develop leaves that emerge one bright color and fade as they age. Most crotons have large leaves, but there are some small leaf types and very narrow leaf types that can add lovely texture to a garden.
