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Crotons for colour
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With adequate water and sunlight, crotons become the most colourful plants in gardens.
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Fine foliage: Rarely do we find gardens that do not have crotons in the city
GOING BY the botanical name Codiaeum, Joseph's Coat is the apt name given for this commonly found croton. A long standing symbol of traditional gardens, this native of Malaysia has for long been a fixture in the plant diary of gardeners.
Prone to grow several metres in height if unchecked, a bushy appearance can be obtained by trimming. The plants add immense colour to gardens with their multi-coloured foliage that varies from red, to orange, yellow, green, and brown.
Intricate veins
Intricate veining and spotting of leaves are an extra delight. Further, the leaves vary in shape and can be lance-shaped, spoon-shaped, etc. branching thinly and sometimes twisted like ribbons. Mature plants throw out thin flower stalks that are not significant. Crotons require plenty of water and heat and bright light to bring out the leaf colour. A uniform dull leaf colour will be produced if heat and light are insufficient. An NPK mix fed once a month will do wonders for the plants. Though hardy, tiny spiders are a menace.
Raised from cuttings
As cuttings are a little difficult to root, it is better to have many cuttings to a pot, to propagate these beautiful plants.
Codiaeum hybrids are many. Collecting the croton can be an obsession, as the hunt never ends for the numerous varieties that are in existence. A tall border plant, or a large specimen, the croton is a boon to any garden.
RUPA GOPAL
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