Fertilizers are materials added to the soil to provide the extra nutrients needed for healthy growth and development that every plant needs.
To promote the growth of croton plants, growers use fertilizers. Apart from providing the necessary nutrients for plant growth, it also helps in the production of glossy foliage.
Fertilization issues flow from growers not knowing when and when to fertilize, how often to fertilize, the correct amount, the adverse effects of under or over fertilizing, and the right fertilizer for their croton plants.
Although fertilizing croton plants makes them healthy, over-fertilizing can do more harm to the plant than good and is a concern for croton plant growers. Fertilizers, when used correctly, produce the healthiest and most colorful croton plants.
This article covers everything you need to know about fertilizing your croton plant.
Contents
Why should you fertilize your croton plants?
Let’s start this guide by explaining why you should fertilize your croton plants.
Image: @a_gubinskaya via Twenty201. Fertilization promotes the growth of houseplants
Fertilizers are necessary for the healthy growth and development of croton plants. Fertilizers contain a balance of nutrients and minerals essential for the development of croton plants. Fertilizers compensate for the loss of nutrients that are not present in the soil and thus ensure healthy plant growth.
Without fertilizer, the soil may not be able to replenish the nutrients needed for proper croton plant growth and may begin to decline over time.
They also improve soil structure, texture and aeration and help increase the soil’s ability to hold water and promote strong root development.
2. Appearance of glossy foliage
If your crotons aren’t producing vibrant, colorful leaves like they should, it could be a sign that the plants are lacking in nutrients. Adding balanced fertilizers to the soil helps improve the colors of the croton plant.
3. Recovery from a severe plague
If the plants have been badly affected by pests, the roots may have been damaged and need extra nutrients to help them bloom again. Fertilizers are often the best option to turn to, as they help replenish lost nutrients and provide the amount needed for recovery and healthy growth.
How Often Should You Fertilize Your Croton Plants?
Croton plants growing outdoors should be fertilized up to three times a year, starting in spring, summer, then fall. Fertilizing once during these seasons suits the plant. The best fertilizers for outdoor crotons are slow release granular fertilizers.
Granular fertilizers can’t be used very often because the nutrients are released more slowly, but they take a long time to need a new supply. For indoor croton plants, you can fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer once a week in a measured amount.
Water-soluble fertilizers work best on crotons when applied frequently.
How should croton plants be fertilized?
Fertilizing croton plants is quite easy if you follow these steps:
- Apply the selected fertilizer to the soil at the base of the plant and distribute it evenly
- Irrigate the soil just enough to dissolve the water granules in the soil; this releases the manure to the ground
- If a water-soluble fertilizer is used, you can simply sprinkle it on the soil.
When should you stop fertilizing your crotons?
You should stop fertilizing if you notice the bright colors starting to fade. While there are several factors that cause croton plants to lose their vibrant colors, over-fertilization is one of them.
Some other factors responsible for croton plants include improper lighting, watering, weather, and pests. If you find that these are not to blame, over-fertilization may be the cause and an immediate soil transplant may be required to preserve plant life.
After transplanting the soil, avoid fertilizing for a while to allow the plant’s roots to recover from the damage. Additionally, croton growers are advised to stop fertilizing during the fall and winter seasons; when the plants are fertilized, they become tender and may not withstand the climatic conditions of these seasons.
What fertilizer is best for crotons?
Appropriate fertilizers for crotons are those that are high in nitrogen and potassium. Research has shown that the most beneficial fertilizer for a croton plant is a low-nitrogen, time-release granular fertilizer. These types of fertilizers can be ordered from large-scale farms or ranches and online stores.
Purified Liquid Fertilizer for Indoor Plants | Concentrate 20oz | Makes 50 gallons | All Purpose Liquid Potted Houseplant Food
- FOR ALL INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLANTS: Snake Plant, Pothos ZZ Plant, Aloe Vera, Green Philodendron, Peace Lily, Rubber Tree, Chinese Evergreen, Monstera Deliciosa, Dracaena, Spider Plant, Fiddle Leaf fig tree, mini cactus, calathea, laceleaf, croton, Pilea peperomioides, jade plant, african violet.
- Promotes Healthy Plant Growth: Purived has an NPK ratio of N4-P5-K5. Nitrogen (N) promotes healthy green leaf growth by stimulating the production of chlorophyll, which plants use to convert sunlight into food during the process of photosynthesis. Phosphorus (P) supports the development of plant roots (which anchor and strengthen plants), stems, flowers and fruits. Potassium (K) helps plants stay healthy and vigorous and supports general plant functions.
- FOR ALL INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLANTS: Snake Plant, Pothos ZZ Plant, Aloe Vera, Green Philodendron, Peace Lily, Rubber Tree, Chinese Evergreen, Bird’s Nest Fern, Monstera Deliciosa, Dracaena, Spider Fig, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Mini Cactus, Calathea, Laceleaf, Croton, Pilea Peperomioides, Jade Plant, African Violet, Guyana Chestnut, Yucca, Peperomia, Burros-Tail, Parlor Palm, Begonia, Weeping Fig, Calla Lillies, Prayer Plant, Philodendron, Plant Dieffenbachia, Croton Plant, Christmas Cactus and lots of Lago.
- Promotes Healthy Plant Growth: Purived has an NPK ratio of N4-P5-K5. Nitrogen (N) promotes healthy green leaf growth by stimulating the production of chlorophyll, which plants use to convert sunlight into food during the process of photosynthesis. Phosphorus (P) supports the development of plant roots (which anchor and strengthen plants), stems, flowers and fruits. Potassium (K) helps plants stay healthy and vigorous and supports general plant functions
Prices obtained from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. All price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase applies to the purchase of this product.
At last
Crotons need a balanced fertilizer to reach their full potential. However, crotons grown in the ground require smaller amounts of fertilizer than those grown in pots or containers.
Using oak leaves may suffice as a mulch for your croton plants if fertilizers are not available. Remember that over-fertilizing will do more harm than good to the growth and development of your croton plant.
Read below:
- How to make Croton plants more colorful?
- Reviving a Dying Croton Plant (Steps to Follow)
- How do you keep croton plants from getting long?
- Croton Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care (2021)