How to care for croton at home and breeding methods
It is important to know the principles of caring for croton at home. This will help grow a healthy and strong plant. The plant came to us from the tropics, so it requires special effort and labor. The main thing is to be able to keep its beautiful foliage, and this is not so difficult. Usually this plant is kept in apartments and serves as a decoration and adds coziness to the atmosphere.
Description and characteristics of the flower
It is an ornamental tree. The forests of Southeast Asia are considered the home of this plant. In nature, crotons grow up to 3 meters in height, and at home - up to 1.5 meters. Most species have bay-shaped leaves.The color is also different, there are specimens with both green and pale burgundy leaves. Belongs to the Euphorbia family.
How to plant correctly
Planting croton is not difficult, for this they follow the rules. It should be noted that this plant is tropical and requires a special approach. First, choose a suitable place after the planting material.
Location selection
Crotons love moisture, which means that a place near the battery is not suitable, since this, in turn, significantly dries the air. Drafts are avoided, because the plant is afraid of cold drafts. Even in the heat the plant did not go out into the street.
Lighting requirements
Depending on the species, Croton needs a sunny location. If the color of the leaves is closer to red and other bright colors, then the plant needs good lighting. Croton can be exposed to direct sunlight for up to 3 hours a day. In winter, additional lighting is necessary, since there is not enough natural light for the plant.
Pot Selection Criteria
The pot is made of clay or plastic. They are used when planting a small one, because in the future the plant will often be transplanted. There should be small holes in the bottom for excess water to flow out and the soil to breathe. After planting, make sure the container does not overheat.
Soil preparation
Young plants are rooted in sandy soil, various types of soil are suitable for them, but the planting site should not be too acidic. For planting use light soil fertilized with nutrients. To do this, gardeners create their own mix, which includes:
- Part of the semi-rotten foliage.
- A single piece of evergreen land.
- Part of peat soil.
Coarse river sand or crushed brick is also added. Planted in a small pot.
Transfer
Crotons are transplanted annually until the plant is 3 years old. Older plants are transplanted every 2-4 years. Before transplanting, check whether the seedling is healthy, whether there is damage.The plant is transferred with a clod of earth. It is taken into account that crotons do not tolerate transplants well, so you need to be careful. After this procedure, irrigation is carried out. A mixture of kidneys is also prepared in a new place, and expanded clay is placed on the bottom of the container. Then the water will not stagnate, and fungal infections will have no chance.
Fertilization and feeding
In order to maintain the bright color of the bush for a long time, Croton is regularly fertilized. When the right dressing is applied, the leaves will grow actively and the croton will get sick less often. It is important to create a natural environment and provide the plant with essential minerals and nutrients.
Mineral fertilizers are applied from March to October. At other times, feeding is not carried out, since the plant is at rest. You can also shorten the procedure to one procedure every 1-2 months.
watering mode
This part of grooming is very important for Croton. Tropical shrubs are extremely vulnerable to droughts, so do not forget about irrigation. Use water at room temperature. You can use tap water, but the liquid should sit for a day. If the temperature in the room rises, the number of waterings increases. In the cold season, irrigation is reduced. In summer, Croton is watered every 2 days, and in winter every 6-7 days.
Temperature and humidity
Crotons like humidity and relatively high temperatures. If the air is too dry, the room is sprayed with water. If this is not possible, and there is no way to get a humidifier, the bush is sprinkled with water, this will have a good effect on its appearance, and the plant will feel better. The average comfortable temperature for a plant is 24 degrees. In the cold season, Croton can withstand temperatures of 18 degrees. If this mark falls below, the bush will lose its leaves.
How to prune correctly
Pruning is carried out if the leaves dry up and fall off. The procedure is carried out if the plant is sick. Growth and development will slow over time and pruning will stimulate the growth of new leaves. With the help of pruning, a beautiful crown is formed, defects are treated, the plant is renewed.
Cut off side shoots, old leaves, damaged parts. Flower buds and peduncles are also removed.
Accompaniement
Pinch is not used as reproduction, crotons do not need it. Pinching is rarely done as crown formation. The procedure is started when Croton reaches 1.5 years of age.
Diseases and pests
Like any other plant, crotons get sick. For them, soil acidification and lack of nitrogen are very dangerous. First of all, health changes are clearly visible on the leaves. The leaves begin to turn yellow, curl and rot. They also fall off when exposed to ticks or other parasites. It is worth improving the care of the seedling, avoiding stagnant water. Preventative work is done to prevent infection. Sick plants are isolated.
How is flowering
Flowering is extremely rare and not used for decorative purposes. In order for the bush to be viable, the flowers are removed.They do not differ in beauty, there is no advantage to be gained from them either.
Breeding methods
During flowering, the seeds ripen, thanks to them reproduction occurs.
Seminal
Seeds are planted in January or February. They are soaked in water for germination. The container with the seeds is covered with polyethylene. After the landing is carried out. The growth time will be longer, but the plant will be robust. The main thing is to follow the rules.
Vegetative
The upper stem is selected and cut. The stem should have a healthy leaf and bud. The stem is cut at a 90 degree angle. The stem is placed separately so that the cut site dries out. Prepare a container for planting and a planting mix. After planting, the container is covered with a plastic bag. Place the pot in a warm place and provide good lighting. After 4-6 weeks, a root system is formed in Croton. This method of reproduction allows you to fix the best qualities in the bush and grow the croton faster.
It should be remembered that this is a poisonous exotic plant, so they use gloves when planting.
About the rest period
The dormant period of the plant begins at the end of October and lasts until spring. At this point, the movement of juices stops, and therefore all processes also proceed very slowly. During the dormant period, the plant does not need watering. But during this period, Croton needs additional lighting and protection from low temperatures.
Poison and useful properties
As you know, the plant contains poison. Therefore, when planting a cutting and in general in contact with the croton, gloves are used.Juice, reaching open areas of the body and mucous membranes, causes burning. Croton is a good remedy for various human diseases. Its properties have a particularly positive effect on immunity.
varietal variety
There are also many types of crotons. The only difference is in the color, size and flower varieties.
Tamara Branch
One of the varieties of codiaum. Has a bright color, the height in nature varies from 2 to 4 meters, and at home from 1 to 1.5 meters. The color is most often green-white. At home, it practically does not bloom. Croton care is not difficult.
Excellency
It has bright variegated leaves, a beautiful bush. Height up to 100 centimeters. Veins are visible on the leaves. Color from white-green to yellow. The juice can cause allergies.
Mrs Aiston
Color from green to red. The height of Croton is 100 centimeters. The leaves are broad, muscular. Croton has good disease resistance and excellent decorative qualities.
Mammi - Codiaeum mammi
Unusual variety, characterized by the twisted shape of the leaves. Very popular with gardeners and florists. Color from green to pink, sometimes red. The plant is small, from 50 to 110 centimeters.
Zanzibar
Major representative. Has large leaves of 40 centimeters. The height of Croton is 1-1.5 meters. Leaf color ranges from green to red. The leaves are not very wide. Has small dots.
Aucubal
Croton has a mottled color, The leaves are large, wide, smooth and shiny. There are yellow spots on the surface of the leaf. The growth of the bush is 1-1.5 meters.
Nervia
Bush with spreading leaves, very nervous. The color is green, with yellow or orange veins. Sometimes there are specimens with a pink tint. Scratches are visible. The size is small, about 100-120 centimeters.
Tiglium, or laxative
Has no decorative value. The foliage is just green. But Croton is famous for its healing properties. It is taken as a laxative. The tree is evergreen. The leaves are ovoid, round. The flowers ripen into yellow-green fruits.
Curly
Croton has curved leaf edges. Color from green to red. Small veins are visible. The height of the bush is 100-140 centimeters.
three-bladed
The leaves are lobe-shaped. There is green on the sides, which becomes almost white in the center. The height is 100-150 centimeters.
Andrei
Croton with long lanceolate leaves. The color is green to white in the middle. Croton is covered with bright spots. The height is 1-1.5 meters.
To mix together
A fairly popular variety. The color is most often green. Large sizes. Height 1-1.6 meters. Nervous shoots and leaves.
Common growth problems
Croton is not left in the water overnight. At low temperatures and high humidity, fungal diseases develop faster. In cold weather or too hot and dry weather, the foliage falls off and the shoots dry out.
I dropped the leaves
Croton leaves drop for several reasons. This can happen due to too dry air, lack of nutrients, direct exposure to sunlight. It can also serve as a warning about the development of diseases.
To dry
Croton dries out due to lack of moisture. There is a rapid loss of foliage. Also, the plant dries out if the feeding is not regular and of poor quality.
Throw away the foliage
Most often this happens in cold weather and during a period of rest. Croton therefore tries to preserve all the nutrients of the base. If the young leaves die, this means that the care does not meet the standard.It is important not to forget about fertilizers. The reason may be a sudden change in the weather.
Diseases and pests
Crotons are not so strongly susceptible to attacks by insects and various diseases. But prevention is essential. It is important to keep it clean to avoid infections.
Anthracnose
The appearance of some rust occurs when there is a lack of nitrogen or other nutrients. The foliage is covered with characteristic brown spots. You must adhere to the rules of care, avoid acidification of the soil.
Root rot
If there is no drainage in the pot, such a defect is understandable. Stagnant moisture damages everything. If, moreover, the air does not reach the roots, these in turn begin to rot. Therefore, do not ignore the rule of choosing a pot.
Spider
The parasite sucks the juice from the plant and leaves a small web on the croton. The plant is isolated and washed thoroughly. Then they are treated with a special solution. Croton has been in quarantine for almost six months.
cochineal
The leaves are damaged. The plant is weakening. Damaged areas are covered with plaque. When infected, the bush is washed and treated with special means.
Shield
Suck up the croton juice. It is more difficult to remove these parasites. Therefore, you need to be careful not to damage the plant.
Tips & Tricks
The most important key to success is proper care, do not neglect the rules. It is better to prepare the soil yourself to be sure of its composition. Acidification is not permitted.