LandscapingNews
Plant of the Month: Croton
When you are looking for a home for your crotons, keep in mind that bright light is necessary to bring out the most intense and vibrant colors. In too much shade, the colors can become washed out and muted and the plants’ leaves will be much more green.
November Landscaping Tips
• If you haven’ t done so, now is the time to plant your winter color.
• Divide any perennials in your landscape that need it.
• If you plant tulips or hyacinths, they should already be in your refrigerator chilling.
• Just because the weather has cooled down, doesn’ t mean that you don’ t need to irrigate your landscape.
If you are planting a croton outdoors, select a spot with dappled light. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burning and scorching, especially on the lighter-color varieties.
For best results, grow croton plants in well-drained soil. Crotons enjoy being kept evenly moist during summer months, with reduced watering during winter months. Let them dry out slightly between waterings. Crotons also appreciate higher humidity, so if they are grown in a dry environment, try placing the pot on a bed of pebbles with water just below the top of the rocks to increase humidity around the plants.
During the growing season, make sure to give your plants an occasional feeding with either slow-release pellets or liquid fertilizer. Keep in mind that crotons are from tropical climates and will not tolerate cold temperatures. It is best to keep them above 60 degrees at all times; any cooler than that and they will start losing leaves. Crotons will need to be repotted occasionally. When repotting, choose just one pot size larger than the current pot.
• Clean out your landscape beds. Remove fallen leaves and spent flowers and use them to start a compost pile.
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