How to Fertilize Croton
Tip
Potted croton plants should be fertilized every other month since they are in a constant state of growth throughout the year.
Do not fertilize outdoor croton plants during the winter.
A liquid fertilizer can be used rather than the slow-release granular fertilizer.
Warning
Do not over-fertilize croton plants, as this will diminish their coloring.
The croton plant, also known as Codiaeum variegatum, is a brightly colored plant with striated leaves. Although the plant does not produce blooms, its leaves contain a mixture of red, yellow, green, purple and orange colors. The croton is a tropical plant which dies at temperatures below freezing and requires high levels of moisture and humidity to thrive. Applying fertilizer to both indoor and outdoor croton plants will increase the plant growth
Apply a low-nitrogen, slow-release, granular fertilizer, such as a 3-1-2, to the soil at the base of the croton plant in early spring. Spread the fertilizer out over the entire pot, if the croton is potted. For croton plants that are outdoors, apply the fertilizer outward 1 foot from the base of the plant. The slow-release fertilizer will dispense fertilizer into the soil gradually.
Water the soil with 1 to 2 inches of water to dissolve the fertilizer granules into the soil.
Wait until midsummer and apply a second application of granular fertilizer to the soil surrounding the croton plant in the same manner as the first application.
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Writer Bio
Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in 2001.
