How to Buy Crotons

Your Guide to buying the best Crotons

Overview

Crotons are a popular houseplant due to their vibrant and unique foliage. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, so they are sure to make a statement in any home or office. This buying guide will provide a detailed overview of Croton plants, including their care requirements and tips for selecting the best one for your space. Additionally, you'll find information about the different types of Crotons available, as well as tips for planting, pruning, and maintaining them.

Key features

  1. Light requirements: Crotons prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light but won't develop their vibrant colors without plenty of bright light.
  2. Soil type: Crotons prefer soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.0.
  3. Water requirements: Crotons need to be watered regularly, about once every week. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
  4. Fertilizer: Fertilize your Croton once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and vibrant colors.
  5. Pruning: Prune your Croton regularly to keep it a manageable size and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  6. Temperature: Crotons prefer temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 55 degrees for a few days, but temperatures below that may cause damage to the plant.

See the most popular Crotons on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Vibrant Colors: Crotons are known for their vibrant leaves which come in shades of red, yellow, orange, and green.
  • Tolerance: Crotons are generally tolerant of a variety of conditions, making them an easy-care choice for most homes.
  • Low Maintenance: Crotons require minimal pruning, making them an ideal choice for busy homeowners.
  • Versatile: Crotons will thrive indoors or outside, making them the perfect choice for any space.
  • Long-Lasting: Crotons can live up to 10 years if cared for properly, giving you years of enjoyment.

Cons

  • Light Requirement: Crotons require bright, indirect light in order to thrive. If they do not get enough light, their leaves may become pale or yellow, or they may not even survive at all.
  • Water Requirements: Crotons don’t like to be over-watered, and can suffer from root rot if they are. It’s best to check the soil before watering to make sure it’s dry before adding more water.
  • Pruning: Crotons need regular pruning to keep them healthy and looking their best, as they can grow quite large. Pruning can also help the plant to produce new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Toxicity: Unfortunately, Crotons are toxic to both humans and pets, so it’s important to keep them out of reach of children and animals.
  • Insects: Crotons can be prone to various insects and diseases, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation or disease.

Best alternatives

  1. Ficus Benjamina - Sprawling evergreen shrub with elliptical green leaves and a weeping habit.
  2. Citrus Trees - Deciduous citrus trees with glossy, fragrant, green leaves and bright-colored fruit.
  3. Maranta Leuconeura - A striking houseplant with brightly patterned leaves and a lushly branched habit.
  4. Dracaena Fragrans - Attractive strap-like foliage with a range of colors, from green to red.
  5. Sago Palm - A slow growing, hardy palm with a spiky, fan-like foliage.
  6. Ponytail Palm - Upright evergreen tree with a swollen trunk and long gracefully arching leaves.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Potting Soil - Soil specifically designed for potting that has drainage, aeration, and nutrients.
  • Pots - Plastic, ceramic, or other containers used for growing crotons.
  • Fertilizer - A balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
  • Pruning Shears - Used for trimming and pruning Crotons.
  • Watering Can - A type of pitcher used for watering plants.
  • Hose - Used for watering plants and providing a steady stream of water.
  • Mulch - A material used to reduce water loss, maintain temperature, and prevent weed growth.

Common questions

  1. What are Crotons? Crotons are large, colorful tropical plants with vibrant, leathery foliage that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are native to India, Southeast Asia and Australia, and are often used as houseplants.
  2. What conditions do Crotons prefer? Crotons prefer bright, indirect sunlight, and should be kept in temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They need moist soil and regular watering, and should be fertilized every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.
  3. How do you care for Crotons? Crotons should be kept in a well-ventilated area and their leaves should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust. They should be pruned regularly to keep their foliage from becoming too dense. To prevent pests, check the plant regularly for signs of infestation and treat with an appropriate pesticide if necessary.
  4. What pests can affect Crotons? Common pests that can affect Crotons are mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. These pests can cause yellow spots and deformations in the leaves, and should be treated immediately to prevent further damage.
  5. Can Crotons be grown outdoors? Crotons can be grown outdoors in warm climates with little frost, but they prefer higher humidity and should be monitored for pests and diseases. They should be brought indoors during cold or freezing temperatures.

Trivia

A funny fact about crotons is that they are often referred to as "the potato plant" because of their resemblance to potatoes. In fact, if you take a look at them, it's easy to see why they've earned the nickname! This is because their leaves are thick and fleshy, and they can grow up to three feet in height. Additionally, their leaves can be a range of colors, including yellow, orange, green, and red. Their brightly-colored leaves make them a popular choice for landscaping and gardens. Sources: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fun-facts-crotons-79252.html.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.