Croton is a flower well known to so many connoisseurs of indoor vegetation. He is known even to those who have never raised domestic plants. This is due to the fact that it can be found in every flower shop. Croton is a flower that is often presented as an original gift. In many homes and offices you can find these indoor flowers. Crotons are amazing in variety. Among them there are species and varieties of different sizes, leaf shapes and colors.
Croton is a flower of the family euphorbiaceae. A characteristic feature of this family is the presence in the leaves and stems of milky juice. That is why it got its name - euphorbiaceae. Thanks to this juice, the plant is able to quickly heal damage to its tissues. The dried up “milk” forms a thin film that prevents the penetration of infections.
The homeland of the crotons are the moist tropics of Oceania and Asia. This plant has fleshy, glossy leaves, unusual in shape and color. Most often they are brightly colored in a variety of shades. Bright veins clearly stand out on them. This plant
prefers good lighting. In the shade, it loses the brightness of the leaves. Young crotons are dominated by green leaves with yellow veins. The older this flower becomes, the brighter its leaves. They are dominated by red-pink shades.
Croton is a tropical flower, so he loves warmth and humidity. This plant is quite moody, therefore, requires regular and proper care. Although he loves good lighting, you should not allow direct sunlight to fall on his leaves. Croton loves water. As soon as an earthen lump dries up, the plant immediately lowers the leaves. This flower should be sprayed at least every other day. In the summer, its leaves should be washed weekly. From spring to the beginning of winter, it is advisable to water a croton every day.
This plant does not tolerate temperature extremes, cold water and drafts. At different times of the year he needs different care. In winter, watering is carried out every 2-3 days. The place where the flower stands should be well lit at all times. With proper care, this plant blooms regularly. He has small inflorescences, and flowers are plain. The transplant is produced in the spring. Young crotons are transplanted annually, and old crotons every 2 years. During this procedure, it is advisable not to break the earthen lump, because otherwise the flower may not transfer it. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out in the spring-autumn season. Crotons are propagated by apical cuttings (15 cm), which are cut in the spring and planted in peat with sand. Shanks need to be covered with polyethylene or a jar. They take root within a month. Less often, crotons are propagated by seeds or air layers.
Croton is a flower prone to damage by scabies and spider mites, so you need to regularly inspect all the leaves. In the case of the appearance of these pests, it is urgent to treat the plant with special intexicides. When choosing a croton in a store, you should carefully examine it. The leaves should not be damaged, stained, traces of pests. Only by choosing a healthy plant, you can be sure of the success of its cultivation.