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This multicolored houseplant has hard leathery leaves that come in red, yellow,
green, orange, and black. If you have a bright sunny spot that calls for a table plant
or bushy floor plant, check out such croton varieties as goldust, petra, or oak leaf…you
won’t be disappointed. This plant is a little temperamental and not as forgiving as some others, but well worth the
effort.
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CARE OF CROTONS
Light: Crotons need bright light to keep their multicolored leaves looking their best. The new leaves will be green not red,
yellow, or orange, if there is insufficient light. Too much direct sun causes phototoridation a condition that makes the leaves
gray and dull looking. Water: The soil of a croton likes to be moist but
not soggy; improper watering causes most of this plant’s problems. If the leaves of your croton become crunchy, you
are over watering. If leaves droop or fall off and the soil is very dry you are under watering. However, if the soil is wet
and the leaves fall off, you have over watered and the roots are in trouble. Fertilizer:
Fertilize monthly in the spring and fall and every two weeks in the summer with a good indoor plant food. If your croton is
in a bright sunny spot, but the new leaves are coming in green, cut back on your plant food. Over fertilizing will also cause
the leaves to curl under. Pests: Crotons are susceptible to mealy bugs, scale, and fungus gnats but it is spider mites that do the most damage. Because the croton has some yellow leaves, it is very hard to notice that spider mites have infested
the plant, sucking out the sap, and turning the leaves yellow or speckled. Thoroughly spraying the plant with the green solution every 10 days for a month should get rid of any of these pests. Pruning;
If your croton looks thin and unattractive, trim the stems back and the plant will become bushy again.
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CROTON FAQ’S
1. I have my croton in a bright warm sunny window. The new leaves are still coming in green. What should I do?Croton leaves look best in a bright but cool location. Move your plant to a place that is not quite as warm and cut back
on your fertilizer. 2. Is it true that a croton is poisonous?The sap
from a cut in a leaf of a croton can irritate your skin and stain your clothes. 3.
The soil of my croton got very dried out and all of the leaves fell off. Can it be saved?Cut the bare stems almost
back to the soil. Move your croton to a bright location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Use a product called Super
Thrive every time you water. Be patient and the plant should eventually look better than ever. 4. My croton is flowering. Is that good or bad?I recommend that you remove the flower and its stalk as
soon as possible. Flowering hinders leaf production and the sap from the flowers attracts disease and pests.
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