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amber Dust Crotons or Codiaeum variegatum [ koh - dih - EE - u , koh - dih - EE - u ] is a semitropical , evergreen shrub , course happen in Indonesia , southerly Asia , and Eastern Pacific Islands .
A part of the Euphorbiaceae kin , Croton plantsare known for their showy , shiny undimmed leaves . Having a report for being mellow sustainment , this sound houseplant is well worth the supererogatory effort .
Gold dust growing in partial shade.
The colorful foliage of this plant has developed a consecrated following of garden partisan .
They add an explosion of color , and this croton potpourri is known by the usual names of :
The gens are based on the visual aspect of the leaves .
Gold Dust Croton Quick Care Tips
Gold Dust Croton Care
Size and Growth Rate
In its aboriginal home ground , the golden junk plant grows at a intermediate pace up to 10 ’ foot in peak .
Cultivated coinage grow at a slower rate and are modest in sizing at around 24 ” inches .
Meanwhile , nursery species may make a height between 4 ’ – 10 ’ pes tall .
Flowering and Fragrance
Even though the leave of croton plants are its with child attraction , it does blossom .
The flowers are insignificant and easy to miss as they pay heed in prospicient clustering between heavy leaf .
The long racemes are 3 ” – 12 ” in long with tiny male and female flower on disjoined inflorescences .
The male flower have five belittled white petal , while the distaff flowers are yellowed with no flower petal .
Light Requirements and Temperature
Bright luminosity causes the Croton gold rubble plant to produce brightly colored leaves .
When constitute outdoors , they relish fond wraith for several hours during the day .
Direct sunshine from the full midday sun can damage the plant .
Being subtropical plants , Gold Dust Crotons require higher humidness levels . Mist the plants oftentimes , specially when pot and used indoors .
Or found the crotons outdoors near a body of water for optimum growing conditions .
The Codiaeum variegatum plant is hardy to USDA Zones 10 and 11 and favor temperature between 60 ° – 85 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 ° – 29 ° C ) .
When temperatures start dipping below 50 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 10 ° C ) , moving the croton gold dust indoors is best .
Watering and Feeding
During the growing season , tearing should be even to keep the dirt moist .
ward off overwatering , as the plant does not react well to abide water . When develop in pots , always practice a container with drainage holes .
Feeding should also be regular during this period .
Weekly fertilization with a balanced pattern fertilizer is sufficient .
Related : Moretips on Croton plant food .
Occasional feeding with an acidic recipe fertilizer design for azaleas may also benefit the plant .
Cut back both watering and feeding when winter turn over around .
If the land becomes too mucky or racy , it may affect the plants negatively .
Related : Tips on Watering Croton plant
Soil and Transplanting
Related : What Soil Do Croton Plants Grow intimately In ?
Grooming and Maintenance
genus Codiaeum variegatum respond to trimming favorably , specially if the increment has become long-shanked .
When the growing time of year starts , prune the plant back hard and move it outside under the sunlight .
Do not shy away from bright sunshine .
Also , maintain good levels of humidity if you ’re keep the plant life indoors .
Overwintering may be a problem .
For this , you need to move the plants inside a glasshouse for some warmth .
Even when pull up stakes alfresco , a cold night may result in drooping leaves .
Othervarieties of Crotonsat the garden essence :
Related : More onCroton Plant Care here .
How To Propagate Croton Plants
The most unwashed method of extension used for these plants is through stem cuttings . When taking a cutting from a Gold Dust Croton , it is of import that the specimen you are using is healthy and undamaged .
croton are one of the easiest plant to distribute . Stem cuttings are easy to obtain and keep .
This method is the only elbow room to get a reproduction of the parent plant in terms of the rule and colourise of the leaves .
The plant also produces shoot , which are dug out and potted separately .
However , these are all different from the parent works . This way , you will have a variety of Crotons .
circularise with seeds is potential but not hint as the plant is not stable .
Also , the offspring wo n’t resemble the parent works .
Sun-Spot Croton Pests or Disease Problems
Growing the plant life indoors is unmanageable .
Low level of humidness make crotonssusceptible to spider soupcon .
The lack of verbatim bright sunlight also affects the plants , make the color of the leaves not as vivid .
mealybug on Crotonsmay cause an episodic trouble .
If you note woolly patches on the leaves , off them with a cotton bud dilute with diluted methylated spirit .
If the plague persists , utilize a non - toxic insect powder like neem oil .
Also , keep an eye out for scale hemipteron andaphid attack , and disease , such as root buncombe and leaf spots .
tie in : con details onDiseases in Croton Plants
Known Toxicity
Being a part of the Euphorbiaceae family means the Gold Dust Croton has some toxicity .
Contact with the sap from the leaves may cause tegument eczema for some people .
All parts of theCroton industrial plant are poisonous , including farewell , roots , rubber-base paint , and bark .
If ingested in tumid quantities , toxins like 5 - deoxy ingenol may cause irritation and burning of the mouth .
The plant also contains oil , which has purgative qualities .
It is suspect of being a carcinogen .
Also , the consumption of seeds is potentially black for children .
All of this calls for being thrifty when cover croton plants .
bust gloves and keep them out of children ’s reach .
Related : point onCats and Croton Toxicity ( Poisonous )
Suggested Uses For Croton Gold Dust
The Gold Dust Croton is a spectacular addition to hedge or as apotted terrace plant .
Use it to add a tropic element to your home or garden .
The striking foliage of the plant looks awing when positioned with other tropic species .
Croton plants are often potted and used as lovely houseplants . Place Gold Dust in your phratry elbow room or kitchen for a pop of color . It will do well when placed in bedchamber if proper care is followed .
However , being native to tropical climates , the works is grueling to keep healthy indoors .
It require a gamey amount of humidness .
Plenty of sunshine and moisture in the filth is also key to accept thriving Gold Dust Crotons .
