Codium (lat. Codiaeum) is a plant family of the Molocaceae (Euphorbiaceae). Codiaeum is native to the South-East Asia. In nature it grows up to 3 m tall. The plant name comes from the Greek (kodeia) meaning ‘head’. Indoors the codium can grow to a height of 1 m. The colouring of the leaves is varied: yellow, green, orange, red with streaks. A young plant may be coloured in several colours. It blooms in summer with small white flowers, which is rare at home. The spectacular plant is appreciated by florists for the amazing beauty of its leaves. The croton decorates any interior without taking up much space.
Information about the craton flower
Latin name for the croton plant Codiaeum variegatum The evergreen, variegated shrub is suitable for growing in bright, warm, spacious halls and is also a great decoration for a conservatory or greenhouse. The particularly beautiful leaves of the croton plant become more attractive as they grow older, with the young green leaves displaying beautiful orange patterns. Thanks to their striking colouring, the ornamental shrub looks like a fairytale autumn forest.
The configuration of the leaves is also striking in its magnificence and diversity: wavy- edged, wide, narrow, ribbon-like, finger-like, pointed, three-lobed. The dense foliage of the codium will grow well, symmetrically, if you rotate the flower pot periodically and do not forget to water in time. Trimming and pruning will help to achieve a glamorous crown.
How do you take care of a croton flower?
Craton flower care The croton (codium) belongs to the tropical regions of India and Malaysia. And this defines its requirements for growing conditions. The plant is comfortable at 20-25 °C
in summer and no lower than 18 °C in winter. Avoid temperature extremes, cold
window sills and draughts! What is croton plant used for?
During the winter, feed the croton once a month with double-diluted alternating mineral and organic fertilisers. During the rest of the year, fertilise the croton weekly and also . The indoor croton plant needs to be pruned to produce a voluminous and beautiful crown. The first pruning should be done on the first outer bud when the plant reaches 15 cm. The next ones will be done every 20 cm.
How often should I water Crotons? Do not allow the soil to dry out throughout the year – you should water the indoor croton plant as soon as the top layer of soil in the pot dries out. The water should be lukewarm and soft, and should be allowed to stand for one day to allow the lime to settle.
Does croton plants need direct sunlight? The croton plant needs bright but diffused light at home. On northern windows, extra daylight may be required, and on southern windows, the croton should be placed away from the window so that it can avoid getting sunburned. The domestic croton grows best on western or eastern windowsills. Insufficient light leads to the fading of the pattern on the leaves, so the variegated species need a longer daylight period.
What should craton soil be like? The most suitable potting soil for codiums is rose ground. However, experienced growers prefer to make their own potting soil. Equal proportions of leaf and garden humus, peat and coarse river sand are used. Add a cup of crushed woody soil and a handful of zeolite added in to 3 litres of mixture. The reaction of the soil solution should be alkaline – 6 – 7.4 pH.
Should I mist my croton plant? Humidity is important for the croton. On hot days and in winter with the radiators switched on, the plant should be sprayed continuously. To increase the humidity, the croton can be placed on an upturned tray, and placed in a larger tray with wet keramzit. Wiping the leaves with a damp sponge is also helpful.
What temperatures do Crotons like? What temperature is too cold for Crotons? The croton needs a warm environment. In spring and summer, the suitable temperature is around 20-25°C. When warmer days arrive, the croton can be taken out into the balcony. During the winter, the temperature should not fall below 15-17 °C, since the roots of the plants may rot in a too cold environment. Also protect the plant from draughts and cold air. Is croton a good indoor plant?
Do crotons produce seeds?
Do crotons spread? The codium is propagated in spring by cuttings. The cuttings will be taken from the tips of semi-deciduous shoots. The milky sap that is released on the cuttings should be washed off before planting. The substrate should be prepared in a mixture of peat and sand. For better root formation, rooting agent (heteroauxin) should be applied to the bottom of the cuttings. The temperature should be maintained around 24-26°C. Cover the cuttings with a jar or place them in a transparent bag to keep them moist. After a few weeks, when the cuttings have taken root, they can be transplanted into small pots. The substrate should be the same as used for young plants.
What is wrong with my croton plant?
How do you get rid of croton fungus? What is eating my croton? What are croton bugs? Codium can become diseased if it is kept in too dry air and not watered sufficiently as a result of hypothermia. Brown leaves indicate excessively dry air or soil. The leaves lose their bright colour if there is not enough light. Croton may drop its leaves due to the cold, move the plant to a warm, well-lit location. The plant can be damaged by the spider mite and the scale. If a spider mite is found, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth dampened in a mild soap solution. If the infestation is too severe, use special products. The spider mite can easily be removed with an insecticide. If the plant has lost its smart appearance, does not look quite healthy, although you have followed all the rules for caring for the capricious pet, try to move it to a new location. It is possible that the croton is not comfortable where you have placed it.
Is croton plant indoor or outdoor? It is a type of plant that is generally used indoors. Croton flowers also grow well outdoors.
Information about the croton plant
The croton plant, scientifically known as Codiaeum variegatum, is a popular tropical plant known for its vibrant, colorful foliage. Here is some information about the croton plant:
- Appearance: Croton plants are characterized by their striking, multi-colored leaves. The leaves are thick, leathery, and have a glossy texture. They come in a variety of shapes, including long and narrow, oval, or lobed. The leaf colors can range from green, yellow, orange, red, and purple, often with variegated patterns and markings.
- Growth Habit: Croton plants can vary in size, ranging from compact varieties suitable for tabletops to larger, bushy plants that can reach several feet in height. They have an upright growth habit and can develop a rounded or cascading shape, depending on the specific variety.
- Light Requirements: Croton plants prefer bright, indirect light. They thrive in locations with ample sunlight, but they should be protected from intense, direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. Placing them near a sunny window or in a spot with filtered light is ideal.
- Temperature and Humidity: Crotons are tropical plants that prefer warm temperatures. They thrive in temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C). They also appreciate high humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase humidity around the plant.
- Watering: Crotons prefer consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. It’s important to provide good drainage to prevent water from accumulating in the pot.
- Soil and Fertilizer: Crotons thrive in well-draining soil that retains some moisture. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil is suitable. Fertilize the plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Reduce or stop fertilization during the dormant period (fall and winter).
- Pruning: Pruning is typically done to control the size and shape of the croton plant. You can trim back leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Toxicity: It’s important to note that croton plants are considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The sap of the plant contains compounds that can cause irritation and gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
Croton plants are commonly grown as indoor houseplants or in tropical gardens and landscapes. With their vibrant foliage, they add a pop of color and visual interest to any space. By providing them with the right care, they can thrive and become a beautiful focal point in your home or garden.