When masses refer to a croton plant life , they usually mean the popular houseplant or variegated croton , but if you garden in Texas , you may have the opportunity to develop Texas croton , also called Texabama croton . Both varieties of croton are part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family .
Variegated croton ( Codiaeum variegatumvar.pictum ) uprise alfresco only in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12 , so most people grow it as an indoor plant . The vibrant colors of its leafage make it an eye - backstop not only in the home or garden but also in professional flower musical arrangement , where it is commonly used to enhance almost any design .
On the other hand , Texas croton ( Croton alabamensisvar.texensis)is hardy in zona 6 to 9 and so is grown in the landscape painting , where it can boom in a grasp of environments from partial shade to full sun .
Variegated Croton
vary croton , also known by another common name , " garden croton , " enjoy heat energy . you’re able to originate it out of doors only in the warmest of U.S. climates . It involve full sun , gloomy humidness and relatively ironic land . In its aboriginal habitat in Malaysia and the southwesterly Pacific , it is a large , woody evergreen bush reaching up to 8 feet , but as a houseplant , it tops out at about 3 foot .
Several varieties of croton are prized as houseplant , include Mammy , Oakleaf andPetra .
Growing Croton Outdoors
When grow croton outdoors , train to protect the plant if an unseasonable frost or frost is bear . For example , in the subtropical areas of South and Central Florida , if the temperature dip below 50 ° farad , leaf drop may ensue .
To ensure coloured leaves , choose a well - draining location infull sun , although some varieties can plow fond Dominicus ; consult your local garden center if you are unsure . plant life croton from 2 to 3 foundation apart and maintain regular lachrymation , but take precaution to avoid overwatering . If you remark new leaves wilt , that ’s a cue that the plant needs water .
Tip
When turn as houseplant , crotons can become dusty , which might encourage spider mites . Take the plants alfresco and wash off them off and then bring them back in .
Growing Croton as a Houseplant
Crotons require well - drain soil , so opt a sess with skillful drainage holes and high - character potting grease . Find an indoor location with bright light , although croton can maintain full color in somewhat low Light Within after they acclimate to indoor shape . keep an even , moist soil but do n’t overwater .
When grown as houseplant , Croton tiglium can become dusty , which might promote spider mites . Take the plants alfresco and wash out them off and then impart them back in . They can also develop mealy bug , scales , pinch , thrips and fungous diseases . Observe your plant regularly for any infestations or leaf drop .
During the wintertime months , decrease watering .
Texas Croton
Texas croton , also called Texabama croton , was initially thought to be native only to Alabama and Tennessee , but when it was found in Texas in 1989 , the Texas sort ( var.texensis ) was nicknamed Texabama Croton tiglium . This croton is a semi - evergreen or deciduous shrub growing from 2 to 10 feet gamey .
The leaves seem silver on their undersides , while the top surface is saturnine or olive leafy vegetable . In fall , deciduous shrubs flush red or orangish before the leaves fall .
Texas croton opt well - enfeeble land on the alkaline side , so if a dirt test resolution in an acid pH , repair the filth with calcined lime . TheUniversity of Michiganreports that Texas croton is a rare plant life species that is actively protect where it naturally occurs , which is in Coryell and Bell county and the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge and the Pace Bend County Park in Travis County .
If you’re able to see this bush for sale , find oneself a partial to full - tad placement where the stain is well drain with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 . Plant shrubs 6 to 12 feet aside .
The plant needs little sustentation , but protect it from other shrub that might encroach on it and slip grime nutrients or affect air circulation .
