You may want to consider having a tropical plant croton if you like something unique that can survive the humid conditions. Known as Codiaeum Variegatum, this kind of plant comes with colorful and variegated foliage with tons of leaf forms variations. Is this plant included as a croton plant indoor or outdoor? It would be best grown outdoors, especially in humid and warm climates.
You can also consider growing it indoors, but it may be challenging because it’s kind of difficult to imitate the ideal conditions – which would be achieved best in an outdoor setting. The plant can be 8 feets in height when grown outdoors, but as a houseplant that is kept in pots, it would be smaller. Basically, it’s a versatile plant that you can grow indoor as well as outdoor, so it’s completely up to you.
The Details about Tropical Croton Plant
This is a part of a slowly growing shrub. It only grows a foot (or even less) in one growing season. The tropical plant croton loves a lot of water and dappled light. As it was mentioned before, you can grow the plant indoors but it’s a bit difficult. The biggest challenge is to maintain the perfect and ideal temperature. If it’s too hot, they can’t stand it. But if it’s too cold, they start shedding off their leaves.
But when we are talking about the benefits, there are tons to expect from this plant. Their color explosion is one of the many reasons why people will keep them at home. Not to mention that they can actually clean the air, creating a natural filter that will cleanse off the impurities and deliver fresher results. They are also good for adding humidity within the room.
If you can maintain consistent temperature, which ranges from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees, you can plant them any time and within any place: the greenhouse, outdoor, or indoor. But if you have pets and kids, be extra careful because it is a toxic plant.
Caring for One
The main key to successful tropical plant croton care is to make sure that they get continuous (and steady) warmth. To maintain their bold and vibrant colors, they need a lot of sunlight exposure. The biggest challenge of keeping them indoor is to make sure that they get enough humidity. Low humidity will make them easily infested by spider mites. You need to mist them on a daily basis to avoid such a thing.
How to Plant Them?
Whether you want to plant them indoors or outdoors, make sure that the soil is loose and well draining. If you live in an area where it can be chilly at night (especially when it drops less than 50 degrees), you may want to consider planting them in pots instead of the soil. With pots, you can easily move your plants indoors. But when you bring them indoors, avoid places like AC vents, doors, and windows as they shouldn’t be exposed to the draft.
How much light does the plant need? Well, they like just enough, a bit of plentiful won’t hurt. It’s best if you can find a location that has indirect but bright light. They survive well in dappled sunlight, but some varieties may not be able to handle direct and unfiltered sun. If you see the leaves turning green instead of colorful hues, it means that they don’t get enough sun. Move them to another ideal spot.
The plant needs water up to an inch each week. They like moist conditions, so you shouldn’t flood them with too much water. In winter, don’t water them too much. If the young foliage wilts, it means that they need water more. The best way to check whether they have enough moisture is to stick your finger into the topsoil up to several inches. If it feels moist, then you shouldn’t water them again. But if it feels dry, you need to water them.
Buying the Plant
If you want to buy the plant, you need to pay attention to these things.
- Caring for croton may not be easy. The plant itself isn’t cheap. So,
you need to ask yourself whether you can provide the ideal growing
condition or not. - If you want to find the best cultivars selection, go to house plant
specialist shops or retailers. Not only can they provide you with the
best options, but they can also give you the best advice and
suggestions. - Go with tropical plant croton that has lush foliage. It shouldn’t
have any pests or damage signs.