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Crotons for colour

Crotons add variety and colour to gardens

GOING BY the botanical name Codiaeum, Joseph's Coat is the apt name given to this commonly found croton. This native of Malaysia is prone to grow several metres in height if unchecked, a bushy appearance can be obtained by regular trimming. The plants add colour to gardens with their multi-coloured foliage that varies from red, to orange, yellow, green, white and brown.

Intricate veins

The leaves vary in shape and can be lance-shaped or spoon-shaped, branching thinly and sometimes twisted like ribbons. Mature plants throw out thin flower stalks that are not very significant.

Crotons require plenty of water, heat and bright light to bring out the leaf colour. An NPK mix fed once a month will do wonders for the plants. Though hardy, tiny spiders are a common menace. As cuttings are a little difficult to root, it is better to have many cuttings to a pot to propagate crotons.

RUPA GOPAL

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