The fact that the croton is also called miracle shrub is due to its shiny leaves, which have very different colors. In the right location and with a little care, they shine in strong autumn tones all year round. What you need to consider when caring for croton as a houseplant.
As a houseplant, croton needs a lot of light
The right location in the room
The croton likes it very bright. It tolerates direct sunlight well. You should only protect it from the hot midday sun so that the leaves do not burn. If it is too dark, the leaves lose their pretty colors.
During the growth phase from March to August, the miracle shrub prefers temperatures of around 20 degrees.
Croton tolerates drafts very poorly. Therefore, choose a location in the room where it is protected.
Caring for Croton properly
- Keep moist but not wet
- fertilize regularly
- Spray leaves with water
- Cut faded inflorescences
- Rub leaves occasionally
- repot in spring
The root ball of the croton should always be slightly moist during the growth phase. However, waterlogging causes the miracle shrub to lose its leaves and die. Therefore, water regularly as soon as the soil surface has dried. Excess water must be poured off immediately.
Croton is fertilized every fortnight with liquid fertilizer for foliage plants. During the dormant phase from September to March, stop fertilizing the houseplant.
Always cut off faded inflorescences immediately. Then croton has more strength to form new leaves. You get the shine of the leaves by rubbing the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth.
Keep miracle shrub cooler in winter
In principle, you can keep the Croton in the flower window all year round if the humidity is sufficiently high. However, houseplants do better if you keep them a little cooler in winter. However, winter temperatures should not fall below 12 degrees. It must also be as bright as possible at the winter location.
During the winter break, water the miracle shrub very sparingly so that the root ball does not dry out completely. Don't fertilize in winter.
tips
Croton belongs to the spurge family. It is poisonous in all parts of the plant. Therefore, always wear gloves when caring for it and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.