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Crotons

Crotons
  Scientific Name :Codiaeum Variegatum
  Family :   Euphorbiaceae
  Order:    Malpighiales

Belonging to the core Euphorbiaceae in subfamily Crotonoideae, crotons or Codiaeum Variegatum consists of more than 750 species. Native to tropical areas of Malaysia, southern Asia and Pacific Islands, these easy growing houseplant have bright coloured foliage, often many colors in one leaf. The uniqueness of this plant is their colourful glossy foliage in varying shapes and sizes. This evergreen shrub, very popular for growing indoors as well as outdoor, are best suited to greenhouses or sun rooms. Some crotons are large and used as hedges or specimen plants. They also grow well in containers.

Crotons can reach upto a height of 5-6 feet to 12 feet. Depending on the specific variety, there leaves have many interesting shapes and most varieties have large, often 6 inches wide and almost a foot long leaves. A few varieties offer narrower, wavy leaves and some offer unusual leaves shaped like oak leaves and semi oak shaped with vaguely lobed leaves. And then there are those with leaves that offer all the color, sizes and shapes that are also incredibly wrinkly or curled. Rare varieties with leaves that curl back on themselves and where leaf blade stops in between with the mid rib continuing to around 1" can also be seen. The leaves are leathery and start out green and gradually change color as it matures. The multi-colored leaves ranges from vibrant yellows, oranges, shades of reds to purple and some incredible shades of green. Variegated patterns include spots, stripes, streaks, blotches, etc.

There are several hundred cultivars, popular among them are 'Spirale' which has spirally-twisted red and green leaves; 'Andreanum' which has broadly oval yellow leaves with gold veins and margins; 'Majesticum' which has 10" long linear leaves with midrib veins yellow maturing to red; and 'Aureo-maculatum' which has leaves spotted with yellow.

Questions of
 Questions & Answers
 1.  Posted on : 10.4.2010  By  :  John Quinn , Sunrise, Fla. View Answer (1) Post Answer
 

I want to plant some Croton in the front yard as a border. How many inches do you have to spread them apart? Is there a special soil for these plants? My front yard measures about 10 feet by 4 feet. I live in a Condo.

 
A1: 

You can plant the crotons at the distance of 1 feet to 1.5 feet, Closer planting will give a faster bushy appearance.

  Posted By :Rynco orchids , Trivandrum | On 19.4.2010
 2.  Posted on : 10.4.2010  By  :  Kerry , South Australia View Answer (2) Post Answer
 

My indoor Croton Mammy is dropping all of its leaves. Why is this happening? Am I doing something wrong?

 
A1: 

FIRST OF ALL FIND ANY BUGS ON IT OR NOT ,IF ANY CURE IT USING PESTISIDE. * I THINK U HAVE TO REPOTTING PLANT, ALSO PROVIDE SOME ORGANIC SOLUBLE FERTILIZERS.MAKE SAND MIXTURE IN WHICH CAN PLANT ROOT SYSTEM CAN BREATH WELL BY USING 'COCOPIT'. * PUT YR PLANT IN MEDIUM LIGHT. MORE WATERING ALSO CAUSE DECAYING OF ROOTS IT AFFECTS DROPPING LEAVES (IN THIS CONDITION FUNGISIDE SHOULD BE APPLICABLE). THESE ANS.IS NOT SUITABLE TELL ME PROBLEM IN DETAIL.

  Posted By :MAC , ahmedabad | On 12.7.2010
A2: 

Dear Friend, it could be that your plant is dropping it'sleave because it sits in a drafty area? I know mine did much better after I put it in a room with less air movement esp. cold air and the plant did so much better. Croton do not like cool drafts they will drop all their lower leaves. Hope this hint might help you.

  Posted By :Jessica Lynn , Auburn, CA | On 9.7.2010
 3.  Posted on : 31.3.2010  By  :  James Wert , Orange County, Orange County View Answer (1) Post Answer
 

How far apart should petra croton be planted?

 
A1: 

You can plant at the distance of 1 feet to 1.5 feet, Closer planting will give a faster bushy appearance

  Posted By :Rynco orchids , Trivandrum | On 17.4.2010
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