Growing Crotons Outdoors In Pots

October 07, 2024 Post a Comment

Growing crotons outdoors in pots

Many crotons grow best in full sun, but many cultivars can tolerate, and even prefer, light shade partial shade. Crotons are best grown in subtropical South and Central Florida. Frosts or freezes will damage them, but they quickly recover. When used outdoors this plant looks most attractive when grown in groups.

How do you take care of an outdoor croton plant?

Ideally, crotons should be planted 2-3 feet apart to allow for adequate growth without looking too far apart while waiting for the plants to fill in. The plants should be watered regularly but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, though they do become drought-tolerant once established.

Can crotons stay outside in winter?

What should I do with my croton plant in the winter? Crotons thrive in warm weather, but they do not tolerate hard frosts well. If you live in the southern United States, where it does not often reach low temperatures, outdoor croton plants can be covered to protect from frost.

What temperature is too cold for crotons?

Since Crotons are Tropical Plants (not sub-tropical) they cannot tolerate cold spells, or extended ones—when the temperature drops down to 32 or lower—so we must add protection, and in particular for young plants.

Do crotons like big pots?

Potting and Repotting Croton Plants Get a container with ample drainage holes. It should be only one size larger than the plant's current container.

Do crotons like Miracle Grow?

A month after planting, use Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food to give croton plants the nutrition they need for best growth. Once a week, apply directly to the soil and water as normal, following label directions. Use 1 pump for small pots and 2 pumps for larger pots (over 6 inches in diameter).

Can croton plant stay outside?

In areas with warm, humid summers, croton can be grown outdoors as a unique and colorful landscape plant. They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground. When nighttime temperatures drop to around 50°F (10°C), croton will need to be taken indoors.

How often should I water my crotons outside?

Watering a Croton plant depends on the situation. It can be daily or weekly because you should never let the soil stay dry for an extended period. However, check if the soil is dry before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot. Keep your Croton plant evenly moist in the summer.

Why are all the leaves falling off my croton?

Heat and humidity – Croton plants are tropicals, meaning they thrive in warm and humid conditions. If your croton's leaves fall off, it could be that it's been exposed to cold or hot extremes such as open doors or air ducts. A humidifier or a regular misting with distilled water will help your croton feel at home.

Will crotons come back after freeze?

Even if freezing weather damages a croton severely, the plant almost always comes back, good as new, when spring arrives. Crotons need plenty of water.

Where is the best place to put a croton plant?

Sunlight – These plants require six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day to produce gorgeous yellow, red, and purple foliage. It is best to position a croton plant in an east or west window to ensure that it gets enough sunlight. If the plant is lacking the light it requires, the leaves will turn green.

When should I bring my croton inside?

As with most tropical beauties, the croton likes to stay warm at temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you take your houseplant outdoors over the summer months, remember to bring it back in before temperatures drop below 50.

How do I protect my croton plant in the winter?

Croton planted in soil should be covered during cold spells. Use gardener's blankets, sheeting and coverings to help insulate the plants and keep in warmth. Use stakes if necessary to keep the coverings from weighing down the leaves.

How do I make my croton bushy?

Pinch off the new tiny leaves the pinching of the leaves will force the plant to produce 2-3 new

Why are crotons difficult?

These plants have a reputation for being difficult to grow indoors. According to Gardening Know How, croton plants depend on bright light to develop their signature bright colors, so they should be kept near a sunny window. If they're placed in a dark corner, their foliage might become dull and turn dark green.

What potting soil for crotons?

Controlling soil moisture is important when growing crotons in order to ensure that you don't overwater, which can lead to root rot. Plant indoor croton plants in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, which contains coconut coir. This material holds and releases water as the plant needs it, and helps soil easily re-wet.

How do you promote croton growth?

Feed your croton with a standard houseplant fertilizer every two months during the spring and summer growing season. Pause or reduce feeding in the fall and winter, and take care not to fertilize for at least six months after repotting or bringing home new plants so that the roots can establish themselves.

Are crotons hard to care for?

Crotons have some of the boldest and brightest foliage around. Often vividly marked with bright yellow, orange, and red, these exotic plants have a reputation for being high-maintenance due to their tropical nature, but once they acclimate to their new home, they're quite low-care.

How big do crotons get outdoors?

Croton is a small shrub used as a landscape plant in tropical climates. In its native habitat, croton is a branching, bushy shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall but those offered as houseplants are usually much smaller than the wild plant. The large, thick, leathery leaves are 2 to 12 inches long and quite variable.

What does an overwatered croton look like?

Crotons are sensitive to overwatering. Normally when a plant's leaves are wilting this means it needs more water, however, if you notice your Croton Petra's leaves are wilting, you may be watering too much. If the bottom leaves of the plant dry out and fall off, you are not watering enough.