Croton Plant Care & Info (Codiaeum variegatum)

[@amberevol]

I really appreciate how in depth you went. I feel like people who are passionate about plants and gardening want to know everything about their plants. You seem to have a lot of experience with them

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you, that means a lot! I do have close to 20 years of experience in plant husbandry. I hope you enjoy my channel! Plant prudently.

[@tracymorales9147]

I just picked up this 🪴 at Market 32. I fell for the colors immediately. Then came here to get a Jumpstart on the care of my new, Croton🙂GARCIAS!✌️💛😃

[@Iwannaps5]

Stuck this bad boy outside, and after two weeks it began to sprout new buds where the old leaf scars used to be. Thanks for the help!

[@expertmax32]

This plant is probably the toughest plant in my house. I often forget to water it and it still grows like crazy. I was really surprised when you said this plant was difficult to maintain. I guess I'm an okay father hehe.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Consider yourself lucky! I'm not sure where I go wrong. Actually I think it's my hard water, low humidity and I would guess not as much light as these guys like that I struggle with. Idk, all my orchids and other trees are happy. Who knows, but I do not do well with them lol.

[@dwightcorbett8889]

I took a chance and bought a croton, so far, it's done well. No dropped leaves. I keep it in my apartment, it doesn't get a lot of bright light or high humidity but it doesn't seem to mind. I had to repot immediately after buying it as it was in a very small pot, soil soaking wet with roots coming out of the bottom and some were even beginning to rot. I'm pleased with the results so far.

[@alohaleslie9407]

Aloha GA! Fabulous video on Croton. You are very specific...I really appreciate that. I have one and love it. When I first got it, it drooped pretty bad and I thought I might lose it. So I "tuned" in and it told me to give it some water, that it needed to remain moist, not wet. I don't let it dry out completely, give it lots of light, don't mess with it too much and it continues to be bright and colorful!

[@WillertMorris]

Just bought my first Codiaeum variegatum...should have watched your video prior... I'll do my best to keep it alive.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Good luck! These bad boys can be little divas. 100 % worth it though! Plant Prudently!! 🌺

[@TheNetsrac]

I bought two Crotons yesterday and I appreciate your tips and advice about caring for them Very good and in-depth video, thank you ^^

[@geslinam9703]

We have a huge croton where I work, one of the ones with all the colors….maybe around 4’ tall and very full, bushy. It’s in a back room in front of a window, and probably gets ignored most of the time, occasionally someone remembers to give it some water. Not sure how long it’s been there, but I love looking at it, such a gorgeous plant.

[@michaelromero1873]

There are hundreds of croton varieties but only a few are available. I enjoy your posts.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you, that means a lot! 🌲

[@BLANKU2]

I got a golden croton in a multi planter basket on clearance at Lowe's I rescued a lime maranta, polkadot plant, rainbow tree, and a golden rod croton out of this plants for 4 mucks off a clearance rack. I had no expectation on the croton cause my sister curses every time she sees one lol. I took the planter apart and put them all in plant ICU. The croton I took a mix of cactus soil, orchid bark, pumice, horticultural charcoal as its mix. I put this plant in a plastic pot with a saucer I do not move this plant or lift it to water it nor move it at all from its spot I only do a quarter turn when watered. I go to the rack every 4 days and lightly lift the pot to see if its dry. The minute that pot feels light I water it by bringing a watering can to it and watering it in the exact pot it sits in. She is thriving! I do the same with her as my Ficus with that every 4 days checking in to make sure she's not dried out. This is a plant I was going to throw out without even bothering with it since everyone I know has had several die on them but I hate throwing life a way so I potted her and although she is a Diva she is twice the size as when I saved her off of the clearance skid row.

[@gidget123ful]

I would consider this plant one of the easiest plants to grow! I keep mine in a Southern window I think I'm honestly not sure. But I got it about 6 months ago and I've had to repot it twice already! When I got it it had only about 5 or 6 leaves now it's got so many I can't even count.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes, as long as you give them adequate sunlight they can be rather easy. Though if you don't have a very bright location often artificial grow lights don't help much. They typically like the real stuff. Fortunately, mine is doing well in my southern exposure too.

[@lucresiasuarez8802]

Here in Philippines ( the visayas in particular) we call Croton plant “san francisco”.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really enjoyed listening to you talk about the Croton plant. Very very interesting and informative too

[@davesenelawsoned.d.2444]

Thank you. This was extremely helpful.

[@jenniferprendergast8658]

Great video! I bought one for the first time and I finally had the chance too! When I brought my home I couldn’t figure out where to put it,so I had to move it a few times I lost one leaf when holding it! For a slow growing plant mine has grown so much in under 3 months! I moved it again put it out on the balcony facing south/west and figures the first two days the temperature dropped ive been so worried about it, so I tied it together cause there’s 3 in one pot and it’s doing fine no leaves falling or change in colors! My daughter bought one a couple of days after me and she can’t believe how big mine has grown compared to hers, I just love it so beautiful!!!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes I know the feeling! Mine has put on some good mass too. I find with these guys they like a bunch of semi bright light. Too much and they may burn if not acclimated right. But if you can find the sweet spot with the light your pretty much in. They also like a decent amount of water and humidity too. As long as the temps don't get past 45-50 F you should be ok. Good luck with everything! Let me know if you have any questions, plant prudently!

[@aprilherman6992]

I’ve had one for about 8 months now and I find the more light the better . Does amazing in direct light too actually you just have to remember to water it.

[@dianes9416]

Everyone should see your video before buying this plant. Very good info.

[@Divineisthecreatorslight]

I got a new one today … I was kinda stressed about it cause my last two died 😭 wish us luck 🍀 she better live ‼️

[@lida1445]

It was the easiest plant to take care of. I found it in a pot on the street in the winter, there were just a few branches. I took it home, it stayed dormant for 3 months and then very slowly started giving leaves. After 3 years it has more than 100 leaves (I counted). Look very healthy and happy. What I do - I put it in the bright sun water once a week. Do not overwater it.

[@carolv.g.4797]

Thank you sooo much!!!! Your explanation helped me a lot. This morning I woke up and my Croton had drop three leaves. I'm in MD and I'm not sure what is happening. There's nothing in its soil, because I change the soil about 3 days after I got it, and I got the plant about 3 weeks ago. But I had it on a south end window and I don't think it's getting enough light, because I had it by the window but in a corner. And also because most of its leaves are red with dark green (is this normal?). I will add pebbles and add water to see if that helps. I moved the plant from that end of the house and placed it between the south and north window in a hallway, It doesn’t get direct sunlight but it gets a lot of sunlight from both ends north and south windows.

[@alangalindo6298]

I do absolutely nothing to my plant and it's doing amazing

[@mariagil2833]

I really love it I have some of them, already adults, but I want to propagate them to put in my backyard. All of them are outside, living in South Florida, hot, humid. I lost some plants, got infected and died. The ones outside, full sun, are doing great. Good advice, thank you.

[@bobbiechinn9578]

Perfect timing. I'm bringing mine back inside soon. Thank u!

[@libragal1750]

I have mine in direct sunlight and it's doing phenomenal

[@kaloutiesingh8061]

Wish u all the best in your journey.i have also NOW started to bring them also.THANK YOU U NEEDED THIS INFORMATION U ARE A VERY GOOD TEACHER HAPPY NEW YEAR🍸🤗🖒

[@karleenharrison2269]

I wish I would have your video before buying my croton oh well I have it now and I will try to do what you have suggested thanks so much!!

[@JoseMartinez-su1tj]

Thank you brother, just bought one, and I needed this insight! It’s sad when a plant dies! Lol but it happens, definitely becoming a subscriber

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

That means a lot! I really appreciate it and hope you enjoy my channel! It is sad when they die, I just lost one of my favorite cacti this winter. Let me know if you have any questions! Plant prudently.

[@meganrose6086]

Ive had my Croton for about 5 months now. It has stayed outside in a *mostly* shady spot under my front awning. It catches the afternoon sun everyday for a couple of hours before sundown. It has stayed full, tall, and very colorful with very little maintenance on my part aside from replanting in a larger pot and of course watering a couple of times a week. Im very nervous for our first fall and winter together. Im really hoping we make it through 😭

[@expertmax32]

Try to put it next to a window where there's plenty of sun but not directly in front of it so the plant is in a cold breeze. Try to maintain the air moisture as humid as humanly possible and don't use fertiliser. It should make it through.

[@Coolcucumber905]

How did it go?? Lol

[@libragal1750]

Get yourself a plant light for the winter months. I put some of my plants (the ones I can't fit in my windows) in my basement under a plant light during winter months and they do great

[@mypioneergirl]

I bought this plant a month ago not knowing it was poisonous. It keeps dropping it's leaves and after watching this it's going in the trash. I love the colors but not that much! Thanks for the video.

[@gazellecarlson6543]

Thx good info I'm struggling with mine. Never give up

[@mskrazie]

i just bought this TODAY. should have seen this video before lol but now the second you said “spider mites” was my queue that tomorrow this plant is gone lol

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

Very interesting what you say. But that has not been my case. I have a beautiful plant and a 10-in pot and I kept it outside all through the warm of the summer and all summer long I think it dropped one leaf. It's been in the house now for over a month near a window that receives minimal light. And in a month's time or better in the house in minimal light it has not dropped one leaf. It looks beautiful. I do have to relocate it now though because the weather is getting cool and it's near time to start lighting the wood stove And I need to put little pieces of wood where the plant now sits. So I don't know. I suppose as winter progresses I'll have to see what the plant needs. But for me and the first time ever having such a plant it's been beautiful with no issues.

[@beconscious57]

Thanks. I’ve killed a few of these myself so it’s good to know how to care for them. I’ve also heard they don’t like to be moved.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I don't know what it is but croton plants do not like me. Either that or they want all of my undivided attention so they keep dropping leaves to get me to freak out. And freak out I do! This one hasn't been that bad yet but its dropped about 6+ leaves since I've brought him home. Still looks pretty full though. Fingers crossed I don't kill this one.

[@remylebeau8934]

Good content. Good southern accent. Good cat. I like this.

[@snackertwo]

Thank you 👍🏼This was very informative. My plant that I got a couple months ago started dropping leaves well the air conditioner is on I think that’s my problemAnd ,plus I maybe over watered it🤷🏼‍♀️

[@IndoCropCirclesOfficial]

In Indonesia it's called Puring (pooreeng), they crazy about sunlight. Low sunlight their leaves will fall and die. See some video about Pohon Puring (pooreeng plant). Btw nice puring.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes they are very particularly about their light. I had to move mine to get better light and he's doing good now! I'll check it out too!

[@Photosketch2347]

Hello I’m hoping you can answer a question I have for my croton. I made the beginners mistake and got this plant due to purely it’s looks. Needless to say, it’s been an ongoing battle to keep mine alive. It got to the point where I ended up overwatering and unfortunately it developed root rot. Now I researched intensively on how to cure root rot and I’ve been doing what I searched. I also decided to educate myself on this plant a lot more. My question is, can I propagate my plant knowing it has root rot. It is growing healthy leaves with nice green stems. So I thought, if I can’t save the whole plant due to root rot, can I propagate it and grow a new plant the right way. I will highly appreciate if you can answer my question. Loved the video! I found a new love for plants and now I can’t seem to stop obsessing over them and the whole process of care lol

[@ploomer264]

You can certainly repot it but don't include any of the plant that has the actual root rot. So go back to the root, pick apart what's rotten and unrecoverable, chuck that, or keep it, see if you want to try and save it. Miracles do happen. Plant whatever is healthy and putting out new growth with a good soil mix, give it a water and wait. Hope this helps? Do let it dry out just a little before rewatering too 😊🌱

[@blackstar8620]

Straight to the point video, thanks👍

[@mangot589]

Uh oh. I just got one for Mother’s Day. The words every one dreads lol “a very difficult plant”😩. Oh well, I’ll give it the old college try👍

[@BlessedEly]

I don't understand Crotons. I thought they were the easiest ones for me. I have a Croton Petra plant that has been with me for 6 years and still doing well. It was not happy when I tried to move it once, but it faces my southwest window and very rarely drops a leaf. I do have it inside a bigger drainage pot, maybe that helps with the humidity requirement. I recently bought a Gold Dust Croton, similar care and location. This one lasted less than a year, dropped leaves etc. Who knows, I guess they either like you or they don't. 🙄

[@mangot589]

Ely 😄

[@madhushihab3939]

Thank you! own my first one, didn't know what it is... but definitely leaves are dying... and looks like a croton, you are awesome for the tips! :)

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes these guys can be little divas sometimes but remember all they want and need is a good amount of light at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight a day so I keep mine outside during the growing months. They also love their water. Maybe a little bit more than most plants do. Just remember if the heat levels go up the water intake levels need to go up too. They aren't very heavy feeders but they are foliage plants so something with higher amounts of nitrogen work well with them something like 20-10-10. Let me know if you have anymore questions at all. Good luck.

[@libragal1750]

I remember my grandmother wiping the leaves with mayonnaise. Her plants always looked healthy with shiny leaves.

[@roxy9524]

The key to the croton plants is growing them in semi hydro and keeping them under a grow light for 12 hours per day. Makes them super easy and they love it! As long as you keep the reservoir full it not only raises humidity but the plant controls how much water gets wicked up through the LECA so it never gets angry and drops leaves. Only thing left to worry about is watching for spidermites and keeping it away from drafts. From my experience you have to transition plants while they're young or use cuttings though, mature plants do not take kindly to the transition and get shocked, 4" pot or less seems to be the perfect size. I highly recommend giving it a try, bet you'll end up loving semi hydro and want to swap all your plants to it.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

You sure know your crotons! I have always wondered about hydro or semi and never really knew how to get started. I may have to get in touch with you on insta or something to see what all you can teach me. I do have some questions. Anyway I appreciate you checking out my channel and I hope you enjoy my videos!

[@aqeelrana3334]

Nice information got thanks, please tell us, do we use Epsom salt for coroton plants, if yes ,how much. Thanks

[@kms1011]

Crotons are my kryptonite. 2/4 of the crotons I’ve kept in the past years have died. I almost killed one of them a couple months ago, but managed to save it! I think I’m starting to get the hang of them (knock on wood) and have been able to keep two of them alive for 3-4 months.

[@SumsungTV-gv3hz]

Hi, I have one for 8 years, leaves on and off, but I see it as my baby, it came from my mom's croton plant which she does not care for much at all, maybe just water it once in 3 to 4 days, it is at a window with morning sun and she has it so ooooo long now it reached 2m, no special care, no hot climate, even heater next to it, mine is on a window, 50cm after some 8 years, this year first time blossom appeared, I was exstatic, then booooom almost all leaves fell off and I was just in tears, but it was not dead. So I aired the soil around the roots, stopped watering for a few days to give it a chance to dry a bit, cleaned the remaining leaves with a spray bottle very gently, it likes showers, and in few days I have new leaves and they are shooting out in bunches. It is a happy plant again.

[@GardeningCare]

So nice and beautiful croton 👍👌🤗🤗

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you! They are very beautiful plants when they aren't being fussy!

[@gendoll5006]

I bought one at like Lowe’s and it actually had two in it so I took out the smaller one but brighter of them grew for MONTHS. It looked like the tops had been cut and they dried up and just aren’t growing anymore. I put some cloning paste on some spots and actually had a lot of growth, but only leaves. The stem itself won’t grow, and all the leaves that can grow already have and now they’re just stuck.

[@freddieivory625]

Great info, thank you for sharing.

[@zmoss6318]

I just went outside and noticed there was more green than usual. As per your video, they need more sun. Thanks for your help.

[@FranksPercussion]

This was super helpful. Thanks!

[@Monamie44]

I have one that is currently dying and I am trying to save it. I truly hope it survives. I feel bad for seeing it die.

[@mariahmelodyy2009]

Same. I moved her outside and it rained and I’m not sure if it was the rain or needs to be repotted. Roots are definitely all over the place i got it from Walmart. I’m hoping i can save it. Some leaves turned pale bleached looking and some yellow 🥺

[@30mulanda]

My grandmother passed a month ago and i am now taking care of all her plants. This one is one of them. I noticed that its turning red..I thought i was killing it. I placed it in the kitchen next to tge window indoors. Your video gives alot of tips on takinf care. I see you have a cactus plant. I have one of those as well. I watered it. It is not next to the window does that need direct sunlight as well?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I'm so sorry for you loss. Everytime I see my peace lily I'm reminded of my father. I got the plant from his funeral and in a weird way it's almost like he's still here. Anyway, with the croton I've found the best thing for them is to give them adequate sunlight. They enjoy 6+ hours of direct sunlight a day. But acclimate it slowly, those leaves will burn. They like water just about as much as they like sunlight too. I give mine 2-3 cups of water every 7-10 days. When the heat index goes up the water intake for your plants needs to go up too. You want a little excess water to drain out the bottom.This ensures every root gets wet. Roots that go an extended period of time without water will die. If you keep a saucer under it, make sure you drain it after 20 mins. Plants can't hold water after about 20 minutes. They like humidity too. If yours is much larger then mine spraying it or using a pebble try may not work. You may need to invest in a humidifier. Feeding, I give mine a 20-20-20 all purpose fertilizer and every once in a while I'll mix in some worm castings. As for the cactus they like as much direct light as a croton. They would do well together in the same window though watch out with the water and the humidity. With all my cacti I sit them outside during the spring and summer to help them get the right amount they need. Hope this helps you out. Let me know if you have any questions!! Plant prudently!

[@30mulanda]

@@TheGreenAlchemist Thank you

[@citylights36]

Thank you for this video, really helpful. I just bought one and didn't realize they had a reputation for being tricky to look after! Do you have any recommendations on light during the winter months? I live in the UK where our days are nice and long in spring/summer but really short in the winter so I'm worried about how mine will survive in the winter.

[@Jingizz]

My croton oakleaf is green, but I rarely see it drop any leafs, interestingly enough.

[@sweetvonbettie1]

I just got mine wish me good luck!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Good luck! Keep me posted on how it does!

[@Alex-px7qm]

Jesus, you're talking too fast, but I caught everything and thank you. You helped me a lot!!!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

lol, I'm glad I could help! Just an FYI KZbin gives you the ability to slow each video down in case you have trouble keeping up with one in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@brausimausi3193]

I have had mine for almost a year now and have been treating it like shit basically 😂... moved it to cold rooms etc... it has grown many new leaves and it's seriously one of the easiest plants I've ever had 😬

[@Coolcucumber905]

Lmao! I got mine yesterday. It's a baby...let's see how this goes 👀😅

[@javychica]

Hi! Thank you so much for this info! I just watched like 5 of your videos in a row lol. Do you use a humidifier for your plants? If so, do you have one you'd recommend?

[@bendietrees]

I've been keeping mine in the laundry room on the windowsill of a south facing window. I bought a petra and mammy at the same time. The mammy was VERY dramatic and died very quickly. My petra is fine! BUT all the leaves on top are green. I'm not sure which other window to try.....maybe a west facing. I bought a new mammy about a month ago and she doesn't seem pleased but she's got some new growth. She's a confusing plant.....she makes me feel like what a man must feel like trying to figure out a woman 😂😂😂😂😂 she's currently sitting on my south facing kitchen window sill because my laundry window is small. Ugh they're stressing me out!

[@wasitribe]

When you started to talk about the pest you kept itching... it made me itch

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Lmao....It's like a yawn. Pretty contagious.

[@desireebryant9523]

Just got one today pretty colors 😊

[@TeffyBabyy]

Ok.. I have a question.. I've always been pretty good with any plant I've ever had, and I just picked one of these Croton plants up 3 days ago... I always water my plants fresh from the store because most places don't properly care for the plants unless it's a nursery.. I found mine at Kroger, and watered it like normal when first purchasing.. but the next morning I got up and her leaves were drooping over, and haven't stood back up yet.. should I not have watered it, should I replant her... If you have an email, I would love to send you a picture so you can see and maybe help me out a bit lol.. all of your plants look great here 💚💛❤️🧡

[@JessicaRuiz323]

Apparently they are sensitive to being moved around, so the plant might have just gotten a bit "sad" from the move. It shouldn't take too long to get back on track!

[@TeffyBabyy]

@@JessicaRuiz323 girl that's what I thought too.. but by the second day, every leaf had fallen off and was completely dead 😔😔 I really want to try another one because it's the plant for my mom's birth month and she recently passed away, so it was supposed to be in her memory

[@JessicaRuiz323]

@@TeffyBabyy i got mine from Kroger, too! It could be ot was already sick. We gotta be careful because plants are placed willy nilly in the store or outside and could have had pests without you knowing. I'd say it's def worth another try. Don't forget the humidity tray!

[@AnhNguyen-qd8xs]

recommend repotting with new soil and put in shaded area. ... and to overwater.. maybe water 1/10 of pot. That way dont have to worry about root rot n killing the plant.

[@Wanda7051]

Do you mind if I ask what are your sources for the information on it possibly releasing carcinogens? I was trying to fact check that and couldnt find anything. Thanks!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I believe what I was referencing was this: "Phorbol, from Croton spp., has a carcinogenic effect and is used in tumour research." www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/croton#:~:text=Phorbol%2C%20from%20Croton%20spp.%2C,is%20used%20in%20tumour%20research.&text=Carnosol%20is%20found%20in%20Rosmarinus%20spp.%3B%20it%20is%20an%20antioxidant.

[@tammybrock5366]

I love my croton. I wish I could share pics on here to show you how beautiful mine looks. Thanks for the video. I have mine in the western sun for about around 6 hrs a day. It has all different colors. However, the sun has bleached the top of the plant to a really light yellow with a red outline on the leaves. Once the summer comes I’m afraid I’m going to lose this beautiful plant. I didn’t know about the cancer causing. This turns me off of this plant. I take care of it and it can cause me cancer? Ummm no thanks.

[@maryamraheel5836]

How can it cause cancer ?

[@tammybrock5366]

Maryam Raheel I’m not sure but I have heard that it can.

[@FAMILYDAD10]

This plant was given to me by my mother. It stayed in her apartment for a month. Her apartment is not humid st all. It was beautiful, but when I brought it home one half of the plant started to droop. Mind you, this was all new growth. I live in Georgia and it has been extremely hot and humid. I did not understand why this happened. The other half of the plant is growing well. I was wondering what I might have done wrong.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Plants are often slow to react to any given situation. Is it possible that your mother bought it right as soon as the store received the plant? If so it had just came from a greenhouse or farm where it was carefully looked after and probably in peak condition. When your mom had it, it might have begun to be stressed from moving around God knows how many times, from farm to storage to the store than to her place. Not to mention if she didn't provide adequate light humidity and water that could have messed it up and it was beginning to decline once you received it. I found with mine he's done exceptionally well with some natural sunlight throughout the day and then supplementing with artificial grow lights to hit the right intensity for the right duration. They also enjoy some humidity too and I water with distilled water. Let me know if you have any more questions or problems.

[@domgia9248]

I'm wondering if I could use Nepenthes mix in orchid pot with some fertilizer added in.

[@tipstricksss1453]

I got one but the soil is very soggy, the plant looks healthy but I want to dry it out a little to prevent root rot so I have it on my sunny window. It was very cheap and the only one the store had.

[@aishafurqan]

Sad to repot that as soon as I got my croton, Christina, she started to have trouble. In a matter of maybe two hours in the car, the leaves were dying. She is in a west facing window now and I water her every other day about one cup. She has lost almost all of the new leaves in less than one week. What can I do to help her? Any help will be great. 😞

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yeah typically moving from place to place is stressful on plants. You never know how far they've been moved and how many times, and then we come by just to grab them and move them again. Then repotting them soon thereafter just adds more unneeded stress to our new plants. Typically, not always though, I try and wait about a month to let them get settled in before I try to re-pot. Croton's are notoriously sensitive too. I've found as long as you give them plenty of light, and if yours isn't getting enough I would supplement with grow lights. Amazon has some great ones for great prices. You can check my description box to see the ones I use. Water/humidity is also just about as important as light is with these guys. I find mine likes humidity of at least 50%. Keep an eye on those and she should be fine. Let me know if you have any more questions! 🌲

[@FAMILYDAD10]

Is there a specific time in the season that this plant can or should be reported? I ask because it is leaning because of new growth. In your opinion, do you think Vigoro plant soil is good? I do add perlite for better drainage.

[@MoChiptune]

my croton gets LOTS of indirect sunlight, but no direct sunlight, and it hasn't dropped a single leaf, its almost 2 years now...really humid and hot summers here (greece) i wanna put it somewhere where it gets direct sunlight, but it has been doing so good im afraid of moving it. It even got a flower, or something like it.

[@lindamarsh6711]

I love but it’s not difficult. It grows three leaves at a time. Never had much trouble with losing leaves. It loves light for sure. A grow bulb help in a lamp that Shines down on it for winter especially in Canada. I have an east window and they do well. I have three. Watch out for spider mites coming through you screens in summer. Mine grow all year round at 72 degrees. Keep away from air conditioning. I’ve also found cactus soil mixed with regular potting soil. If your plant does get leggy. Cut off half way. Root the top in water and cut the base down to a couple of inches. Water when quite dry for up to 3 or 4 months. It will come back even without leaves on it. Mine are doing well. Thanks. Well said. Sorry your loosing leaves. Keep trying. I feed more often than most plants. Winter 2022.. Thanks!

[@gardeningwithgeetkumar]

Great video👍 sir. Joined u stay connected

[@ElizabethPenman-p7f]

Help! My gold dust plant got very dried out while I was out of town and my house sitter did not water it enough. I trimmed back the obviously dead parts, but closer to the root, it looks like it might be able to survive as those leaves are not crumbly. Besides watering it, is there anything else I can do to save it?

[@bertaliciaancira7493]

Just bought mines good info

[@mendem4life]

My goodness you’ve helped me a lot with this but now I’m scared to death because of the toxticity

[@jDubbie2]

Yeah... me too... I knew they were toxic but had no idea they were also dropped leaves easily 😳😩

[@arrow6778]

I just purchased one and now after hearing him saying that they might cause cancer?!

[@carolinebarrett4736]

Arrow 67 same! Just bought one today... and I’m like - Jesus Christ ! It can give me cancer?!

[@iamsedine9219]

That plant gets easily stressed out and fall out leaves then turns leggy. It likes sunlight but not so much for the young ones so I put in under a little bit of shade.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes I would 100% agree with you. He can be a tricky diva to deal with!

[@sheliaglover565]

What are the little tiny white ball Hi-C in the soil is that fertilizer or some kind of a snail? I did find a snail climbing up ornamental grass in the middle of my new purchase and also a large black 3 sectioned bug which was dead thank God

[@anindyanandi5117]

If NPK 19-19-19 or 0-52-34 or 0-0-50 can be useful for (a) better overall growth of a Croton and (b) to add shine and color to the leaves ?

[@charettermaxberry6762]

Can you use food spikes in the croton

[@zmoss6318]

The gnat nix is not available any longer. Do you have any recommendations? I purchased quite a few of these for my front yard. Didn't know what I was getting into. One day the plant looks great and and on other days, not so much. The one day it looked great, I added potting soil and it was a sunny day. I am not sure if the soil is missing nutrients or it was the sun. It hasn't been sunny like that for at least a week. It has been raining a lot and it has been overcast a lot due to tropical storms. Could that impact it? Due to excessive rain, I think it has received too much water and needs to dry out. Could that be a possibly?

[@shenequeclarke5895]

Hey! My apartment is facing north but still pretty lit but my leaves still turned green how can I provide more light?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Get on amazon or Ebay and look up smaller full spectrum (LED) grow lights. There have been some pretty cool advances in the past couple years with the grow lights. Now they are a lot smaller and more efficient. They used to be pretty big/bulky you'd have to have a ballast with some of them and they cost a boat load of money with the energy bill too. If you want to know advice on the ones I have I'll fill you in on that too! Just let me know!

[@sheliaglover565]

Only have a South window when I move that will have much light from the patio

[@RhapsodeMEDIA]

loved this ...

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you for letting me know, I'm glad you did enjoy it! Plant prudently.

[@RhapsodeMEDIA]

@@TheGreenAlchemist amazing work, would love to know more on your research over plantations. Great going. Regards dear 💕🙏

[@silviasellerio728]

I have a very young one that I put into a terrarium, and it's doing great... I'm terrified of what will happen once it outgrows the container and I need to move it, though!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes that is a brilliant idea. These guys love their humidity and their light. Make sure you are careful though because some glass can magnify the light and end up harming your plant. As for the size, vigorously trim your plant when he gets too big. As long as you do that and I'd say every other year pull your plant out and trim his roots too you'll be fine.

[@sheliaglover565]

I'm so sick because I decided to flush through my peace lily in the bathtub in a pail I'm just give it a good wash through in case too much fertilizer after I remove the container I poured some of the water back through I had two smaller starts in smaller pots I took the end of the water and poured on top I could not believe the number of bugs that I saw which I had flushed out of the larger peace lily it was a big one with the very large leaves then I got to noticing in the bottom of the drainage pot all kind of did little curled up dead worms the whole thing freaked me out leaves were turning yellow getting Brown and crusty on the edges it's now outside in my trash can could I have saved it

[@christinemenez5278]

In Philippines its called San Francisco

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

That's cool! I always like hearing what other people call plants. Plant prudently!

[@Psmith713]

So I was sold three of these in one pot and the roots were extremely intertwined. Two of them died but I managed to save the third, because they’re so sensitive, how would you recommend separating them/would you recommend separating them at all?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes I would recommend separating them if you can. The dead ones will start to decay and could invite pets and rot in with the living plant. Depending on when the plant was last watered it shouldn't be that bad. They make what's called a root rake and a root hook and I have a link to them in all my videos but they make separating the roots a breeze. You could use your hand but if there were a total of three plants in there it sounds like it may be a little tough to separate it all. What I would do is water the plant if it hasn't been watered in a while and make sure the excess water drains out the bottom of the pot to ensure everything gets wet. Then I would let it sit for about a day, then I would dig in. Of course make sure all of your tools you use are sanitized. Also if you are worried about accidentally nicking the plant and thereby creating an opening to let disease in buy 100% cinnamon. Cinnamon is a natural antibiotic and will keep any pests, disease or rot from entering your clean plant. Theoretically you can remove up to about 3/4 of the plants root mass without doing harm to your plant.

[@lindacharles3551]

Do you grow lavender croton?

[@thecakepopsistars]

Would you think a croton could be saved from spider mite infestation? Could it come back after being cut back to soil?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I would. Pretty much any pest infestation, excluding scale can be knocked off with a blast of water. Plants love showers! About once a month I'll take all my plants and spray them off in the tub or outside. If the infestation is exceptionally bad you can use neem oil on it too or prune him back fairly aggressively. It definitely can come back after a pruning like that, but it will take a considerable investment of some TLC. He'll be under some serious stress following it, so try not to add any more. Don't over due it with strong direct sunlight, you'll want bright indirect light until you see new growth. Water well yet infrequently. Since he won't have any leaves to help with photosynthesis he won't need a ton of water. Keep an eye on the humidity. Croton's enjoy humidity levels around 50 percent or higher. Feed normally and again don't over do it here either.

[@thecakepopsistars]

@@TheGreenAlchemist thank you so much! I will try proceeding as you recommended. I hope I can save him 💗

[@reneejewell1909]

Mine has like two leaves left. That's why I'm here

[@lalaswag]

love that

[@rose-of-theoasis]

I have 2 of these & they’re both not doing very well 😞 1 of them is maybe dying; dropped all its leaves... I took them both to the plant “doctor” but I still can’t see any significant improvement

[@frostflower5555]

My croton plant still has the same 5 leaves as it did a year and a half ago. :(

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

So I've found the trick with crotons is a decent amount of light. About 6+ hours of direct sunlight. However, make sure if yours has been in a store or even inside of your home a while that you acclimate him slowly. Those leaves can and will burn. When they are getting the right amount of light they'll produce more mass. With water they do like a moderate amount too. You should let about the top inch to dry out in between waterings. Now, on hot enough days it's not uncommon to water two or even three times a day. They do enjoy some humidity too.

[@dwightcorbett8889]

My so-called kryptonite among plants is any kind of palm. NO matter what I do, I can not keep one alive in my apartment. I've used pebble trays to help with the humidity but still to no avail. I'm thinking that my apartment is simply too dry for palms and unlike other tropical plants, they can't seem to adjust to the low humidity. I've grown many dracaenas, Moses in the cradle and others with no problems whatsoever.

[@andreatorres7217]

Does anyone know if croton icetone plant are poisonous? While looking up how to take care of them, it mentions they are poisonous towards humans and dogs 😳

[@scorp6996]

You made me hate this plant....only one diva living in my house and it's gonna be me!

[@keithpugh7538]

Croton are very easy to grow, they grow best outside not as house plants.

[@inyourname3671]

My little kitty ate almost half of the croton leaf and nothing happens to him.. so🤷🏻‍♀️ idk if it’s really that poison as you say in this video

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

So it may not kill him and you might not notice anything but it can cause severe stomach cramps, other problems with the rest of the gastrointestinal tract, some dizziness, drooling, may even seizures. Also eating certain parts like the berries the plant produces can be fatal to small children and pets. Don't forget cats are exceptionally great at hiding what ales them. Sick or injured animals especially cats get picked off quickly, so it isn't in their nature to throw up or act sick in front of you.

[@rosesimons3300]

what do you use for scale?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Check out my Scale Video!

[@el_teodoro]

I just plugged a half hanging leaf off the plant. After that I eat a burger and didn't wash my hands shock 😳. Am I going to die?

[@madn4356]

The link for gnat mix doesnt work. Is there another link ?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I would try eBay. I'm not sure, it's probably a long shot but try Amazon too.