How to Root a Croton
Crotons of the variety Codiaeum variegatum have become popular indoor houseplants in recent years. They are desired for their bright leaf colors and patterns of yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and green. The croton is a tropical plant and can be hurt by the cold. Crotons like a constant source of moisture so never let the soil dry completely. This is important to remember when rooting a new plant. They can be propagated from greenwood or leaf bud cuttings as well as air layering. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cutting propagation:
- Cutters
- Moistened paper towel
- Aluminum foil
- Soil mix with sand and peat
- Pot
- Clear plastic bag
- Spray bottle
- Air layering:
- Sharp knife
- Sphagnum moss (soak overnight)
- Plastic wrap
- Twist ties
Instructions
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Cutting Propagation
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1
The cutting should be four to 12 inches long. When freshly cut, place a wet paper towel around the cut end, and seal with aluminum foil. The lower leaves and flowers should be removed.
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2
Place the cuttings and some water in a large bag, seal and shake until the entire plant is moist, then drain the water out of the bag. A spray bottle can also be used.
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3
Place the cutting in a container with water and let soak for one to two days in bright light but not full sun.
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4
The soil for rooting should be a mixture of sand and peat. Cypress mulch can also be used. The soil should be able to retain a constant level of moisture.
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5
Remove the cutting from the water, strip the bark from the bottom two inches and place in the soil mixture.
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6
Spray the leaves to moisten them and seal them into a clear bag. Make sure this stays moist over the next few weeks. If it is very hot, a few holes can be cut into the bag for ventilation. Keep it out of full sun.
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7
After a few weeks, check to see that the roots have started; if so, remove the bag.
Air Layering
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8
Air layering is best done in early summer. A cut should be made around the stem, with a second cut one inch below the first.
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9
Cut vertically between the two prior cuts and remove all the bark and green layer to expose the inner white portion of the branch. Make sure that all the outer layers are removed and no green is left.
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10
Wrap the moistened sphagnum moss in a ball around the cut, then wrap that with aluminum foil.
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11
Remove any excess moisture by squeezing gently and seal either end with twist ties. Make sure the interior stays moist while the roots are developing. If it is dry where you live, wrap the entire ball in plastic wrap to help keep it moist.
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12
The roots should grow within six to eight weeks.
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13
Cut just below the newly formed root ball and pot in a soil mixture of sand, peat and mulch. Do not place the plant in full sun until it has developed more fully.
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