The fact that the Croton is also called the miracle bush is thanks 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.
How do I properly care for the Croton houseplant?
Croton needs a bright location, temperatures around 20 degrees and protection from drafts. Always keep the root ball moist, but avoid waterlogging. Fertilize with liquid fertilizer every two weeks and mist the leaves regularly. In winter the plant should be kept cooler but bright and watered less.
The right location in the room
The Croton likes it very bright. It tolerates direct sunlight well. You should only protect it from hot midday sun so that the leaves don't 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.
Care for Croton properly
- Keep moist but not wet
- fertilize regularly
- Spray leaves with water
- cut spent inflorescences
- Rubbing the leaves occasionally
- repotting in spring
The root ball of the croton should always be slightly moist during the growth phase. However, waterlogging causes the miracle bush 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 leafy plants (€6.00 at Amazon). During the rest period from September to March, stop fertilizing the houseplant.
Always cut off spent inflorescences immediately. Then Croton will have more strength to form new leaves. You can maintain the shine of the leaves by rubbing the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth.
Keep the miracle bush cooler in winter
Basically, you can care for the Croton in the flower window all year round if the humidity is sufficiently high. However, the houseplant will do better if you keep it a little cooler in winter. However, winter temperatures should not fall below 12 degrees. Even at the winter location it has to be as bright as possible.
During the winter break, water the miracle shrub very sparingly so that the root ball does not dry out completely. There is no fertilization in winter.
Tip
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.
