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There are several popular houseplants that have stolen the names of unrelated genus .
The most ill-famed of these isEpipremnum aureum(masquerading as pothos ) , but another infamous imposter isCodiaeum variegatum(koh - dih - EE - um var - ee - GAY - breadbasket ) .
While not a extremity of theCrotongenus , this tropical plant has hijack the name , and almost all Codiaeum variegatum on the market are actuallyCodiaeum variegatum .
Sometimes referred to as garden croton , this perennial flora is native to the islands of Southeast Asia and Australia .
A pop member of theEuphorbiaceae family , thegarden croton has a act of varietiesbearing dissimilar colors and foliage configuration .
One of the harder to find ones isCodiaeum variegatum‘Luna ’ , the luna croton .
While there ’s not a lot of care selective information out there , the beauty of this plant make it well deserving empower in if you stumble across one .
Luna Croton Care
Size & Growth
Luna croton are middling sluggish agriculturist , adding only about 12 ” inches to their height per year under the correct condition .
Croton tiglium can produce to 10 ’ foot tall in the wild , but your luna croton will likely peak out at 4′ to 6 ’ feet marvellous .
It ’s crucial to find out out your flora ’s personal preferences , as they can hold up quite a few years if you deal to tame their often fickle nature .
Garden Crotons are treasured for their colorful parting , which can vary greatly from one cultivar to the next .
In the case of luna croton , the variegated leafage is long and straplike , and their dark green leaves have a dark orange stripe up the middle .
Flowering and Fragrance
It ’s not rough-cut to see this cultivar bloom and is especially rarified indoors .
However , you ’ll find tiny white-hot - petaled manlike flowers and yellowish female bloom that miss any petal growing on marvellous raceme when it does peak .
Bloom season is in the fall , and fertilized flower will give way to tiny 1/32 ” inch seed capsules .
Bright Light and Temperature
One of the most confusing aspects of garden croton care is the fact that cultivars incline to have a blanket range of lite preferences , so experimentation tends to be the good solution .
pop off by set your ‘ Luna ’ in bright , collateral visible light or filter visible light for about 4 hour per day and keep an eye on the leaves .
If the leaves start to drop off their variegation or the last leaves start dropping , you will involve to increase the amount or duration of light photograph . Many Croton diverseness do great in full direct sun .
Conversely , if the leaves begin to yellow or bleach out , you ’ll need to increase the amount of shade .
Finding the perfect light exposure for new croton can be frustrating , but once you come up that thoroughgoing spot , your plant will give thanks you for year to come .
‘ Luna ’ enjoys moderate humidness , so a kitchen or lavatory blot can be unadulterated .
You may also wish to augment the industrial plant ’s humidness levels with a pebble tray or humidifier .
Luna Codiaeum variegatum can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zone 9b to 12 but is best stay fresh indoors due to its sensitiveness to cold .
The ideal temperature range is between 60 ° and 85 ° degrees Fahrenheit , with the idealistic temperature range being 68 ° to 71 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Avoid temperature below this , as it can lead to leaf drop , and temperature below 50 ° degrees Fahrenheit can harm or even kill the flora .
Also , sources of draught should be forefend , such as zephyr conditioners or heater .
Watering and Feeding
As with most plants , the soaking - and - ironic method is best for keep this plant happy and sizable .
Stick your digit into the filth and piddle slowly and liberally when it feels dry 1″ to 2 ” inches down .
Stop when you see water beginning to ooze from the drainage holes .
observe that you will be watering the plant life far less during the winter months when it ’s resting .
eventually , seek to avoid tap H2O , as crotons lean to be raw to the mineral and chemicals present .
Instead , room temperature distilled H2O or , ideally , natural rain should be used whenever possible .
Feed the plant life with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly during the spring up time of year and stop feeding for the fall and wintertime .
turn out the dosage of fertilizer by half if you see the leaves set about to loop or develop brown tip .
Soil and Transplanting
Garden croton require a well - drain potting mix with a somewhat acidulous pH.
Organically plentiful mixes designed for tropical flowering plants with a pH of around 6.5 incline to knead best .
A homemade alternative is to commix 6 part peat moss , 3 parts ground true pine bark , and one part coarse sand .
More on theBest Soil for Croton plant .
Your luna croton will involve to be repotted every 1 to 2 twelvemonth in the spring .
Take this time to replace the dirt and graduate to a container size higher if the flora is becoming rootbound .
Be sure to put it back in its original pip , as garden Croton tiglium hate variety , and a Modern maculation may prolong your works ’s transplant shock .
Grooming and Maintenance
You will need to wipe down the leaves with a moist material 1 to 2 times per calendar month to remove any dust to better both face and photosynthesis .
The plant may also be pruned in the springiness to further new growth and remove damaged or morbid leaves .
However , be certain never to remove more than ⅓ of the leaves and always cut above a knob .
How to PropagateCodiaeum variegatum‘Luna’?
Luna croton is principally diffuse through stem turn cuttings , although air layering is also an option for the more adventurous gardener .
Propagation through seed is not recommended unless you do n’t mind being surprised at what sprouts .
Luna Croton Pests Or Diseases
‘ Luna ’ is very sensitive to dusty and sudden change in environmental precondition .
Although caterpillars may also become a problem for those set in the garden , aphids , mealybug , scale , and spider mites are the mostcommon croton pest .
Learn more about Croton Diseases .
Luna Codiaeum variegatum are considered mildly toxic to both humans and pets .
The latex sap is also known to be a skin irritant and allergen for many people . More on the interrogative sentence – Are Crotons Toxic ?
Codiaeum variegatum‘Luna’ Uses
Luna croton pull in a wonderful accent in any well - illuminate elbow room but will need to be keep away from favourite and children .
As with all garden crotons , ‘ Luna ’ is considered a clean air industrial plant , mean it withdraw toxins from the tune .
They make for excellent accent plants in the garden , as long as the necessary care condition are met .
