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House Plants/Croton
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Question
Bought a Croton plant in the fall, replanted it and brought it in when it got cold. Now have it in south window and it seems to be doing well. It has several new leaves, but I am concerned that they may not change color with the limited sunlight here(northwest lower Michigan). I open the drapes each day so it can get light, but will have very little sun now til spring. Will the leaves turn?
Hi Pam,
Moderate to high intensity sunlight is what a croton plant requires. Inside in the summer time the place for a croton is within 3 feet of an east or west facing window. A southern facing window during the winter may be just fine for a croton.
Like most plants, crotons go into a dormant (or at least a semi dormant) state during the winter. During this time of slowed growth a croton would not actually need as much light, water or fertilizer as it does during it's active growth cycle. Since it probably wont produce that many new leaves during it's dormant cycle, if for some reason the new leaves do not turn as much as you like in the south facing window over the winter you can always remove them in the spring with little damage to the plant.
** Please be aware that crotons are considered to be very poisonous plants. Please be careful to keep crotons out of reach of children and pets. The white sap that seeps out from punctured or broken croton leaves can also cause skin irritation and possibly leave stains on clothing.
Also remember, there really are no 'safe' plants. Any plant can cause harm to children and animals if chewed or ingested. No matter if it is considered poisonous or not. Even 'safe' nonpoisonous plants can cause stomach upset, skin rash, lip/tongue swelling or could cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Especially in young children, puppies and/or kittens.
It is always best to keep all houseplants in a place out of reach of children and pets.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy
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Answers by Expert:
Tracy
Expertise
I have a great deal of experience with most foliage houseplants. I am knowledgeable and experienced in the care of many different kinds of houseplants as well as the pests and diseases common to houseplants. I have had a lot of experience and success with most propagation techniques. I am also knowledgeable and experienced with artificial lighting for plants. I can answer questions about all aspects of 'indoor gardening'. Not only questions about growing foliage plants and starting seeds under artificial plant lighting but also questions about artificial plant light system set up, supplemental artificial lighting and cost. ~ I can help identify plants accurately ONLY if you submit a picture of the plant with your question.~
Experience
I usually always have at least 70 houseplants at all times.
I have done extensive research, education and have over 15 years of experience with houseplants, indoor gardening, interior landscaping and artificial plant lighting.
About 30% of my houseplants are grown exclusively under artificial plant lighting. Many of the other houseplants that are growing in natural light are also given supplemental lighting using artificial plant light.
I have 5 complete artificial plant light systems that I designed and built.
Organizations
I have done volunteer work for several local botanical gardens and conservatories.
Publications
I have written extensively about plants, all aspects of houseplant care, indoor gardening and artificial plant lighting. I have written many informational blogs, articles and 'plant care guides' for many websites, forums and some online horticultural communities.
Education/Credentials
I have extensive research, knowledge and experience on the care of houseplants, the different kinds of houseplants, pests and diseases common to houseplants, indoor gardening/landscaping and artificial plant lighting.
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