Croton Plant Features One of the boldest houseplants around, you cant miss crotons because of their colorful foliage. Often boldly marked with bright yellow, orange, red, and even black, crotons are perfect for adding a tropical touch to indoor decor. Theyre particularly eye-catching in bright dining rooms and living rooms where their foliage helps energize a room. Boost crotons appeal even more by growing yours in a colorful pot that accents the brilliantly colored foliage.
Croton Growing Instructions Grow crotons in a bright spot: They like lots of light to produce all those colorful leaves. If your croton doesnt get enough light, you might find the plant grows tall and lanky, with few leaves that dont have deep, rich hues. Ideally, your croton should cast a good strong shadow much of the day where you grow it. Happily, it thrives in both natural and artificial light. Water crotons when the top couple of inches of the potting mix starts to dry. Theyre not as thirsty as many other common houseplants (such as peace lily, fittonia, or polka dot plant), but do need regular watering. Crotons will drop their older leaves if they stay too wet or too dry for extended periods. If youre not sure whether its time to water your croton, its usually better to let it stay a little too dry than too wet over time. Like most houseplants, they also appreciate abundant humidity. You can boost humidity for your croton by growing it in a well-lit kitchen or bathroom, placing a small humidifier nearby, or grouping it nearby other houseplants. Fertilize croton in spring and summer to keep it healthy and growing. Crotons only need fertilizer once or twice during the season, but you can get them to grow faster by fertilizing more frequently. Follow the directions on the fertilizer package whenever feeding your plants.
Andrew is a stunning and popular variety that shows off long, narrow leaves streaked in creamy white.
The croton bush on fire plant, also known as Codiaeum variegatum ‘Bush on Fire’, is a stunning houseplant known for its colorful, variegated leaves Native to tropical islands in the Pacific, this plant becomes a focal point in any indoor space with its unique foliage
While crotons require a bit more care than your average green houseplant they are well worth the effort for their eye-catching beauty. Here is a complete care guide for growing a happy, healthy croton bush on fire plant.
Overview
- Common Name: Croton, bush on fire croton, codiaeum, Joseph’s coat
- Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Bush on Fire’
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Watering: Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings
- Humidity: Average to high humidity
- Temperature: 60-80°F
- Flowering: Uncommon as a houseplant
- Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
Appearance
The bush on fire croton is prized for its colorful foliage. The leaves are long and slender, sometimes twisted or curled. Each leaf exhibits a striking combination of yellow, orange, red, pink, green, and white variegation. The unique patterns and vivid colors make this plant a real showstopper.
These plants have a shrubby, bushy appearance when grown indoors. Outdoors in tropical climates, crotons can reach tree-like heights over 10 feet tall. But indoor croton plants typically remain under 6 feet in height.
Croton leaves are somewhat fragile and may drop easily if the plant is stressed. Providing the right care will keep the foliage looking healthy and colorful.
Light Requirements
Crotons need abundant light to thrive. These plants should be placed in a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. An east or west-facing window is ideal in most climates.
Insufficient light will cause croton leaves to lose their vibrant colors and appear dull green. The plant may also become leggy and stretched out as it reaches for light. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even sun exposure.
Too much direct sun can scorch the fragile foliage of these tropical plants. Filter harsh sunlight with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf burn.
Soil Needs
Crotons require a very well-draining soil mix to prevent soggy roots. A quality potting soil amended with perlite, orchid bark, coco coir, or sand will provide the fast drainage crotons need.
Using a pot with bottom drainage holes is also important to prevent waterlogged soil. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. The leaves will start to droop slightly when the plant needs a drink.
Watering Habits
Crotons should be watered whenever the top of the soil becomes dry to the touch. Take care not to overwater, as crotons are prone to root rot in saturated soil.
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom drainage holes, then empty any collected water from the saucer beneath the pot. Allow excess moisture to evaporate before returning the saucer.
The foliage can also be wiped down or misted occasionally to increase humidity around the plant. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows.
Feeding Schedule
Feed crotons with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burn.
Granular fertilizers can be applied at half strength 2-3 times per year. Discontinue fertilizing over winter when light levels and growth are reduced.
Humidity Preferences
Crotons enjoy the same warm, humid conditions of their tropical island homes. Average room humidity may be too low for these plants. Ideal humidity levels are 40-60%.
Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place pebbles in water below the pot to boost moisture in the air. Mist the plant daily or set on a humidity tray with pebbles and water.
Temperature Needs
Warm temperatures between 60-80°F are ideal for croton houseplants. Keep away from drafty windows or heating/AC vents to prevent cold damage.
Move crotons outside only after all danger of frost has passed. Acclimate the plant slowly over 7-10 days. Bring crotons back inside before night temps drop below 50°F.
Pruning
Pruning is not required but can shape crotons and remove dead leaves or leggy growth. Using clean shears, trim just above leaf nodes on stems to encourage bushier growth.
Propagating
Crotons can be propagated from stem cuttings or through air layering:
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Stem cuttings – Take 4-6 inch cuttings from leafy stem tips. Dip ends in rooting hormone and plant in soil.
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Air layering – Make a 2 inch wound on stem, coat in rooting hormone, wrap with sphagnum moss, and cover in plastic wrap. Roots should develop in 4-8 weeks.
Common Problems
Crotons are sensitive plants and may develop issues if their needs are not met:
- Dropping leaves – Due to overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light
- Wilting – Can indicate underwatering or high temperatures
- Leaf curling – Caused by too little humidity
- Leggy growth – Results from inadequate sunlight
- Pests – Mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips may occur
With the right care, the gorgeous croton bush on fire plant will thrive indoors, rewarding you with its spectacular, multicolored foliage!
Bush on Fire Croton
Codiaeum Bush on Fire
Bush on Fire croton is aptly named because its long leaves are splashed and stippled in shades of red, orange, gold, and purple.
Victoria Gold Bell Croton
Codiaeum Victoria Gold Bell
A beauty with long, almost grassy leaves, Victoria Gold Bell is often variegated with orange, yellow, or purple.
Its easy to see where Gold Star croton earned its moniker; the green leaves are liberally splashed with bright gold, like a constellation of stars on each leaf.
Mrs. Iceton is a living work of art; each medium-green leaf is brightly shaded with golden, yellow, orange, and red hues.
Showing off long, narrow leaves, Laurens Rainbow is a fantastic accent to other croton varieties.
“Wow” is what everyone will say when they see Magnificent croton in your home! The colorful leaves are festively speckled with green, red, and orange. No two are alike!
A classic variety, Mammy crotons leaves twist and curl as they grow, adding color and texture!
CROTON CARE | Codiaeum Variegatum Care Tips & Tricks
FAQ
How to take care of a bush on Fire Croton?
About Bush on Fire Croton
This plant is one of the many stunning cultivars of Codiaeum variegatum, which is native to the Pacific Islands where it can grow to over 10ft/3m tall! All parts of this plant are toxic, so keep them well out of reach of pets and children.
How big does a bush on Fire Croton get?
A Bush on Fire Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Bush on Fire’) can grow to be 3 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions, according to Gardenia.net.
Is the bush on Fire Croton toxic?
The Bush on Fire Croton harbors a sneaky hazard: its sap. Toxic when ingested, it can also cause skin irritation. This plant’s vibrant colors might as well be a stop sign for parents.
Do croton plants need sun or shade?
Croton plants prefer full sun, but depending on the species, some can tolerate partial shade. The amount of sun that the plant receives will correlate to the intensity of its color. In order to attain full, vibrant color, the plant should remain in good light.