Croton plants are widely admired for their striking, multicolored foliage. While their leaves are the main attraction, crotons also have the capacity to produce flowers. These blooms are often less noticed than the plant’s colorful leaves, yet they represent a natural part of the croton’s life cycle.
The Nature of Croton Blooms
Croton blooms are typically small and often go unnoticed compared to the plant’s vibrant leaves. The flowers are usually pale green, white, or yellowish-white, and are star-shaped. They emerge in tight clusters on long, slender stalks, known as racemes, which can appear feathery. These flowers generally lack a strong scent.
Blooms typically appear on mature croton plants and can occur sporadically throughout the year. While they can flower any time, indoor crotons rarely bloom, though it remains possible. For outdoor plants, flowering is more common and might be seen in late winter, early spring, or during the summer months.
Factors Influencing Croton Blooms
Several environmental conditions and care practices can encourage a croton plant to produce flowers. Providing bright, indirect light is important, as insufficient light can prevent blooming. While some direct sunlight, particularly morning sun, is tolerated, too much intense, unfiltered direct light can cause leaf burn. Crotons thrive in consistent moisture, so regular watering is necessary, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid both over and underwatering.
Stable warm temperatures are also conducive to flowering; crotons prefer indoor temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and can drop leaves if exposed to cold drafts or temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Adequate humidity, ideally between 40 to 80 percent, supports overall plant health and can be increased by misting or using a pebble tray. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons can promote flowering and root development. Additionally, crotons often respond to being slightly root-bound by flowering, as this can encourage them to expend energy on reproduction.
Caring for Crotons During and After Bloom
Once croton blooms appear, you can either leave them on the plant or prune them. Some gardeners choose to remove the flowers to redirect the plant’s energy towards producing more vibrant foliage. To remove them, simply snip the flower stalks off at their base; this will not harm the plant.
During the blooming period, continued consistent care, including appropriate light, watering, temperature, and humidity, is beneficial. All parts of the croton plant, including the flowers and sap, are considered toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Wearing gloves when handling the plant, especially when pruning, is advisable. After the blooming period concludes, the plant will typically return to its regular growth cycle, requiring continued routine care.