According to the sources at WebIndia123.com, croton plants thrive under certain conditions such as full sun exposure and high humidity levels. Crotons do well in soil that is well-drained and rich in humus. Fluctuating temperatures and drafts can cause leaf damage in croton plants, according to Flower Shop Network. Crotons do well outdoors in backyards and indoors in sun rooms or near windows.
Crotons should be watered regularly during the growing season and sparingly in the winter months. Balanced fertilizers schedules of 20-20-20 fertilizer will promote vivid leaf colors during a croton plant's growing season, according to Flower Shop Network. To ensure the rich development of a croton's leaves, WebIndia123.com recommends that they receive a generous daily supply of bright sunlight away from direct sunlight exposure.
Croton plant propagation can be a very easy process because crotons root quickly. The cuttings should be dipped in a root hormone solution before being placed into a growing medium. Stem cuttings root quickly in vermiculite, perlite, sand or fertilized soil. The medium that the cuttings are placed into should be kept moist but never over-saturated. Roots will begin to grow from well-maintained croton cuttings within a month or so.
Some species of croton can grow up to 15 feet. Height can be controlled through regular pruning. After 5 feet, croton plants tend to lose the leaves on their lower branches. Leaves range in color from green to yellow during the early stages of a croton's development and can change to a reddish shade in later mature stages of development, according to Flower Shop Network. According to House Plants for You, crotons can flower during the spring or summer. Their flowers grow to a diameter of around ¼ inch.
Mealy bugs, spider mites, caterpillars and small scales are some of the pests that are typically attracted to croton plants. These pests can cause irreversible damage to a croton plant. Common pesticides may be employed to eliminate pests. Some fungal and bacterial infections that affect crotons are stem galls and root rot. Coming in contact with the sap from a punctured leaf from a croton plant may irritate the skin and stain some clothes.