Learn How to Grow Chinese Croton Indoors with the help of simple tips for a vibrant display of colors in your home.
If you want to add a colorful houseplant to your indoor garden, then check this comprehensive guide for expert tricks that will surely assist you in growing Chinese croton.
Common Names: Chinese Croton, Excoecaria bicolor, blindness tree, buta buta, jungle fire plant, Picara plant
Botanical Name: Excoecaria cochinchinensis
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Chinese Croton Information
Native to Southeast Asia and China, this plant is from the genus Excoecaria, which is a part of the family Euphorbiaceae. This colorful croton features silver-green leaves with red undersides. It is a great choice for indoor gardens.
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How to Propagate Chinese Croton
You can grow Chinese croton by stem cutting; just cut a 4-6 inches long semi-woody cuttings with 2-3 sets of leaves from a healthy plant. Fill a pot with well-draining, good-quality soil, and plant the cuttings in it.
Place the plant where it gets enough morning sunlight and bright, indirect light during the rest of the day. Water thoroughly, but don’t let the plant sit in standing water.
Note: This plant can be grown from air-layering as well.
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Ideal Growing Conditions for Chinese Croton
Light
Keep Chinese croton where it receives bright diffused light. Protect the plant from harsh afternoon sunlight by placing it on an east-facing window. The bright light enhances the vibrant hue of the leaves.
Soil
Use loose, fertile, aerated soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5.
Water
Water the plant regularly when the topsoil becomes dry. During summer, water this tropical perennial frequently, and in winter, reduce the quantity. Avoid overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers a temperature range between 60-80 F. Do remember this plant appreciates warm climates, and if the temperature falls below 50-55 F, the foliage turns brown.
Chinese Croton enjoys high humid surroundings, primarily in hot conditions. You can mist the plant to maintain humidity.
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Chinese Croton Care Indoors
Fertilizer
Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer once in 4-6 weeks for fine growth. Also, follow the instructions on the package.
Pruning
Remove the dead foliage regularly from the plant. Always prune the plant in early spring and avoid it in winter. For bushier growth, prune the croton from the area you want it to grow thicker.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs can harm your plant. You can repel them by applying rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball or use vinegar to remove them. You can also hand-pick the pests.
Root rot can be an issue that plants face; you can prevent it by avoiding overwatering.
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Toxicity
The plant emits milky sap, which is toxic if ingested; it will cause irritation and excessive salivation. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and kids.