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Croton plants indoors are considered beloved house plants owing to their radiant foliage and vibrant aesthetic appeal. Read further to know more.
Introduction: A croton plant (indoor variety) is an old trick in a seasoned homeowner’s kitty to glam up a place effectively. It hails from the spurge family Euphorbiaceae and is becoming a popular choice for modern Indian homeowners in cities and towns. It gets its name from ‘croton/tick’ in Greek, as the croton plant seed looks like a tick. This quick guide on these beautiful plants will help you understand them better and make your purchase decision at the plant nursery easier. Read on!
Croton Plant Benefits
- Thanks to its striking variegated foliage, it adds a burst of colour and visual drama to any room.
- It acts as an excellent air purifier by removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
- It spreads positivity in the home interiors and positively impacts one’s mental well-being.
- Croton increases humidity in dry indoor environments by releasing moisture through the leaves, though this is negligible in larger rooms.
- It is easy to care for and maintain in the long run as it thrives on low humidity and sunlight.
- It can serve as a beautiful accent piece for your living room, balcony, or bedroom when grown indoors.
- It is mostly low maintenance and requires a little more attention than other plants. Depending upon the variety chosen, the care differs slightly.
- It is versatile as it is available in many unique varieties and can be grown in various container sizes.
Croton Plant Varieties to Spruce up Your Home
There are more than 100 types of croton plants in the world, classified on the basis of leaf types (~rounded, ribbon, oval, elliptical) and multiple colours (~green, yellow, orange, bronze, red, purple, etc). However, the most popular varieties have been listed below:
- Gold Dust: Sprinkled ‘gold dust’ look on long & thin bright green leaves.
- Banana Variety: Oddly shaped and has yellow veins on green leaves. It can reach a height of one to two feet.
- Petra Croton Plant: Broad green leaves with visible rainbow shades; Can grow up to six feet tall.
- Yellow Iceton: Pointed-tip oval leaves with light yellow variegation. It has a warm look.
- Zanzibar Variety: It is thin, shoe-string sized, and has long, leathery leaves. It grows about three to four feet tall.
- Mammy Croton: This is the boldest variety in green and yellow. It is suitable for the cold season and has a high ornamental value.
- Bush on Fire Croton: It has curled & narrow leaves. A dominantly fiery red colour is its hallmark. It reaches a height of up to four feet.
- Mother & Daughter Croton: Single leaf joined via midrib where the long narrow leaf gives the impression of holding another small leaflet at the end.
How to Plant Croton Plant Indoors?
- Take a pot and drill small holes in the bottom for the water to drain.
- Place the plant so that there is a gap between the base of the pot and the roots.
- Fill the pot with mud and manure and ensure that it gets ample sun and water.
- Propagate and prune the plant to remove dried leaves once they fall for better growth.
- Croton plants also bear croton flowers which can be either male (~white, star-like) or female (~yellow, ball-like).
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Methods for Croton Plant Care Indoors
- Place your Croton plant in sunlight for some time until they get their vibrant shades back, as those plants exposed to brighter light have a red-orange tint, and those plants placed in the shade are much greener.
- It should be planted in well-draining, evenly moist and loose soil, so choose a sturdy pot to anchor it as it grows in height. Do not make the soil extra soggy, as it can lead to root decay.
- Periodic pruning can rejuvenate the plant but ensure not to cut off more than 1/3rd of the stem height at a time.
- Fertilise the plants every month during their growing periods (~summer, spring, early fall) with water-soluble plant feed because they, too, need lots of nutrients to grow their colourful foliage.
- Expose your Croton plant to the sunlight for six to eight hours a day for it to thrive to its fullest potential. Some varieties require dappled sunlight, while some species cannot tolerate direct sunlight, so be mindful.
Where to Place Croton Plant Indoors as per Vastu?
Place the Croton plant indoors in the southeast or east direction of the house, as it will channel positive energy within the living space. The plant will also promote stability and constant growth owing to its colourful leaves.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have learned about indoor Croton plants in considerate detail, you can easily make an informed choice when buying a few of them to make your home interiors look colourful and bright. Want to get started and need some guidance? Don’t wait; quickly book your free virtual consultation with the DesignCafe team now.
FAQs
1. What is the average lifespan of a Croton houseplant?
The average lifespan of a Croton plant indoors is about two and a half years, but if you care for and maintain the houseplant properly, it can tend to live even longer.
What are the common problems associated with indoor croton plants?
- Curling or twisting of the leaves occurs when they get large, so avoid using too much fertiliser.
- Putting the Croton plant in bright, sunny light on intensely hot days results in dull leaf colouration.
2. Are indoor croton plants safe for children & pets?
Although beautiful-looking, croton plants are unfortunately not safe for children and pets because close contact with these plants can cause skin irritation and be poisonous if accidentally ingested.
