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Growing Croton Plants: Watering, Lighting, Repotting, and Pests
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Will dear eat Crotons?
Hi Jan,
Croton is mostly deer-resistant, but with that being said, like most plants there is a chance if a hungry enough deer comes by your property it might take a few nibbles.
While mostly grown as a houseplant, if croton is something you intend to planting outdoors, it is only hardy in Zones 11–12. It also does well in locations with warm, humid summers, but will need to be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures drop to around 50°F.
Here is a list we have compiled of deer-resistant plants https://www.almanac.com/deer-resistant-plants.
Hope this helps!
I have 2 Crotons in front of my house about 3' tall, lush, and dense. Plenty of sun and water. This summer they have developed a white powder-like substance on the leaves (both sides) and branches. What is it and how to control it? The plants don't appear to be suffering.
If your croton are growing outdoors, I assume you live in a pretty warm climate. The most likely culprit when it comes to white powder on the leaves is powdery mildew, and the good news is that it can easily be treated: https://www.almanac.com/pest/powdery-mildew
If your plants don’t respond to powdery mildew remedies, it may be time to call your local extension service for more thorough diagnosis.
https://www.almanac.com/cooperative-extension-services
My croton sits between a purple waffle and trailing watermelon begonia/vine. The croton is ok, but it's not killing it like the other two. New leaves at top are albino and drop off. I think I should let in more light vertically and maybe water this one a tad less and more often. Please advise if I have read the material correctly. Thank you.
Most of my leaves are falling off my plant. I water it once a week just like another one just like it. it is in a wicker basket. do I need to repot it and put a different type of soil in it? I have had it since September 24 from the flower shop today is November 13th.
I have had my plant since September and then the leaves began to fall off. However, new leaves began to bud but soon dried out before they were able to come out completely. Please Help!
Hi Angela,
There are many factors that can affect your croton plant’s growth. They can be sensitive so it is really important to be consistent with your care. Improper watering can greatly impact your croton and cause it stress. Crotons thrive when supplied with the right amount of moisture. They should be watered only when the top half-inch to an inch of soil dries out. Too much or too little water can impact new growth. That is also why a well-draining medium is vital. They need bright, indirect light (but will do well with a few hours of direct Sun). They require warm temperatures and do not like temperature fluctuations, and need moderate to high humidity. While not heavy feeders, they do require some fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients for continued growth.
was wondering how big a pot to put my pretty croton in......the pot i bought it in is very small....i love this plant.....need more
In general, a new pot should provide 2-3 inches of space for new soil between the rootball and the side of the pot, on all sides of the rootball.