Find Your “I got this plant from my grandpas funeral and I’m not sure what kind it is but I’d like to know so I can use proper care for it.” – Taylor
Help! What Kind of Plant Is This?
July 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Is My New Croton Okay Around Kitty?
May 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Ask The Plant Expert:
I got a plant for Mother’s Day. It’s name is Croton, it’s a black waxy leaf with red veins in it. I went online and on one web site it stated that it is highly poisonous to pets and people. I have it on my enclosed patio and my cats go out there all the time. So i was wondering if i should return it? If you could please email me back asap, cause I’d like to keep the plant, but I love my cats and myself more. Thank you for any help, or if your not sure if you could maybe have any ideas on who i could contact. Thank-you, Anneke
Flower Shop Network:
Yes, the croton house plant is toxic for plants and people, but only if it’s digested. If you’re cat has a habit of chewing on plants, you may want to try a different plant. However, the plant tastes terrible, and accidental poisonings are rare.
If any part of the croton is ingested, it would cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, and in large doses could be fatal. It is also a good idea to wear gloves when pruning, and wash your hands after touching the plant.
Although crotons are toxic, they are a beautifully colored house plant that requires little care to maintain. As long as you leave it alone and teach kitty to not crave croton salads, you can live happily with your new plant. However, if you think your cat is prone to chewing on leaves, you might consider a different plant. Be sure to check the FSN House Plant Toxicity List for help.
What Is This Vine Coming Out Of My Croton?
July 21, 2010 by 29 Comments
Ask The Expert: My croton has a long feathery vine growing out of it. There appears to be sap on these vines. he leaves have also gotten something on them that looks like a white hair. What is this? Do I cut the vine? Do I cut and plant the vine? Marsha
Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
When I first received this question, I was a little puzzled. I asked Marsha to send a picture.
Although the picture is a little dark, I believe the vine is the flower stock of the croton.
I found the croton bloom picture on flickr. It was taken by CameliaTWU. As you can see the bloom has a long stalk that looks like a vine. The flowers are fuzzy and white.
Personally, I have never seen a croton bloom. I have a feeling that you need just the right plant and conditions for this to happen.
If you find the blooms unattractive, you can follow the stalk down to its base and cut it off. Or, you can let the plant flower and when the flowers are spent cut the stalk off. Either way, the plant will be happy.
Oklahoma City florists hope this flower identification question was helpful.
Sharon’s Photos
Croton? Isn’t That Part of An Atom?
May 12, 2009 by Leave a Comment
My science teacher would fall backward in his chair if he heard my title for this post. The humor in that visual image alone is enough to keep it. As much as I’d like to believe that a croton goes hand-in-hand with protons, neutrons, and electrons inside an atom–indeed it does not. It’s a really fun houseplant. Well, as fun as a houseplant can be since they lack frisbee playing skills.
Croton Plant Basket
What Most People Know About Croton Plants:
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum) plants are tropical plants that thrive outdoors in bright sunlight. They are great patio plants and beautiful additions to walkways and slightly shaded gardens. They like it steamy. We’re not talking sauna-steam here. Croton plants do enjoy areas of high humidity though and must be kept consistently moist. Afterall, tropical locations like beaches or lush forests tend to be very moist places.
What Most People Don’t Know About Croton Plants:
I’ll admit it. Croton plants are pretty awesome to have around. They are strikingly colorful so they draw attention to otherwise neglected spaces. They are a break from more traditional houseplants due to their bold form and presentation. They have “that little something extra” that makes them easy to remember and easy to love. I mean, come on. They’re beautiful! If you’re asked to identify a list of 12 houseplants (croton among them) but all the others are standard green houseplants, you’ll probably mark down Croton first because its distinctiveness makes it the easiest to remember.
This unique characteristic also makes it the perfect gift for someone who likes standard gifts with an edge. Sending houseplants is always a hit. Sending a colorful tropical plant is a can’t miss gift for someone who likes a bit of quirkiness every now and then. The occasion is almost irrelevant. If you are in the mood for a unique gift idea, consider sending croton plants. Even if you want to snatch up a few of these babies for yourself, it’s easy to do when you contact your local florist.
Own a croton plant or received one as a gift? Let us know what you like about it!
Where Can I Find Joseph’s Coat Houseplant?
January 29, 2009 by 5 Comments
Ask the Expert: Joseph Coat of Many Colors ( Its a House Plant)
Looking for this plant Stella
Reply:
Stella,
The common name Joseph’s Coat has been used for many plants including both indoor and outdoor ones. I can think of two plant in particular that are commonly called Joseph’s Coat plants and can be used as [Read more…]
Croton (Codiaeum) Versus Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) for Southeast Window.
October 22, 2007 by
Ask the Expert: Croton vs. Rubber plant?
I want to purchase either a croton or varigated rubber plant for my southeast window to be placed about4-5 feet away. Which would do better for that location and which would be easier for me to care for?
Susi
