Crotons: Easy, Versatile and Colorful

Crotons are one of the most versatile houseplants available. Not only are there tons of different varieties to choose from, they look great any time of the year! When the weather is nice you can work them into your outdoors displays: In fall with pumpkins, hay bales and cornstalks, and in the spring and summer with annuals – just remember to bring them inside whenever nighttime temperatures fall below 55. Indoors Crotons add fascinating colors and patterns that compliment most any room décor. Here are 6 varieties I think you’ll love:

Iceton	Magnificent	Petra
Arch Iris	Afd-7	Mammy
	Click images to enlarge.

‘Iceton’ Each leaf is special and unique with its individual multi-tonal color pattern. This variety is truly a stand-alone specimen! Doesn’t it remind you of a beautiful sunset?

‘Magnificent’ Yellow and orange splotches boldly stand out against a rich dark green background. Feature this variety in a brightly colored, hi-gloss ceramic pot for an added pop of color.

‘Petra’ This croton features the traditional distinctive leaf pattern. Increased sun exposure will produce more pronounced color. While extremely attractive by itself, they also look fantastic when grouped together with solid green foliage plants with smaller leaves such as rope hoya, rhipsalis, lipstick plant and goldfish plant.

‘Arch iris’ This is a more unusual variety with its narrow, elongated foliage. I find its fun and playful leaves create an interesting texture and add visual interest. Pair this variety with a ficus lyrata and they will compliment each other very nicely.

‘Afd-7’ Similar to Petra, this variety boasts deeper, more saturated color near the base of the plant. It’s graduated coloring is certainly unique in the plant world! I absolutely love the way it looks so happily potted up in this orange pot.

‘Mammy’ The twisting and twirling narrow leaves of this variety almost remind me of sea kelp. This is another variety in which each leaf proudly displays its individual personality.

Crotons prefer bright light, preferably some direct sun, however even filtered light will do. The more light a Croton receives, the brighter and more colorful the foliage will be. Crotons like to dry out slightly in between watering, and need to be kept away from drafts. I would definitely rate the Croton as being on the easier side in terms of care, so all you self-professed “plant killers” should feel good about adopting one for your home or office.

Sara DiPalermo

Meet Sara DiPalermo, blog contributor and the greenhouse buyer and merchandiser at the Mahoney’s Brighton location. About Sara Sara grew up in Woburn and has 18 years experience in the garden center and floral industry around Boston. She is passionate about her job and loves...