This popular houseplant is loved for colorful foliage but do you know it flowers too? If not, then learn How to Make Your Croton Bloom!
Crotons are popular for their vivid foliage, which has many shades. However, very few know that this plant also blooms! If you also want to make yours blossom, then here’s everything you need to know about How to Make Your Croton Bloom!
Croton Flower
Croton produces small flowers in white-yellow colors that appear as small bulbs like a holly berry. They have very little to no fragrance.
The white male blossoms have five small petals and 20-30 stamens. Female blooms, after pollination, grow capsule-like fruits that contain tiny seeds.
How to Get Croton to Flower?
1. Expose them to Sunlight
The best way to ensure the plant flowers is to expose them to lot of bright indirect sunlight—4-6 hours each day. This will also help the leaves to have that brilliant, vivid hue.
For indoor plants, place croton near a window where it receives plenty of light, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight as it can scorch the foliage.
2. Age Matters
New and young Croton do not bloom. The plant will take its own sweet time (2-4 years when it matures) to produce flowers. However, it is still not guaranteed to produce flowers after maturing.
3. Avoid Sudden Temperature Change
Keep the plant where it gets constant sunlight. Most importantly, do not keep it near an AC or heating vent. Ensure there is no sudden temperature fluctuation.
4. Move it Outdoors
When temperatures are warm enough, relocate indoor plants outdoors where they get good sunlight and plenty of air circulation to encourage flower production.
5. Keep Root Bound
Croton performs well in a slightly root-bound condition. This state causes stress on the plant; the plant grows beyond the limits of its container, which leads to reduced space and prompts the plant to direct its energy towards flower production instead of growing leaves.
6. Don’t Overwater
Water the plant when the topsoil becomes dry. You can check this by inserting a finger in the soil; if it feels dry, then it is time to water the plant. Avoid overwatering at all costs, as it hinders flowering and leads to root rot.
The Bottom Line
Following these points may help stimulate flowering, but do not expect every plant to grow flowers. When it comes to blooming, these plants have a mind of their own and may or may not flower during their lifetime.
