Crotons in the Desert, Arizona

[ando.wsu]

Anyone have experience with these plants in the desert, or other warm locations that experience the occasional cold? So far this December, it has experienced two nights of 33 degrees. It is planted underneath a Bizzy Palm Tree. Gets some morning sun, then after that shade. Gets a little bit more sun in the summer, but mostly shaded through out the day. Survived our hot summer this year, at least the tail end of summer.

I obtained three of these guys planted in a single pot at a discount at a big box store, so I figured why not, i'll give it a try. I've never seen these planted outside here in Arizona. My recent trip this past July to Hawaii sparked my interest in planting one near my pool for that Tropical Feel.

Its supposed to freeze tonight, So I might be pushing my luck with it.

For all you croton fans, anyone know the "cultivar" name? Product label just had the latin name, but no variety was mentioned.

I also planted some Ti Plants at the same time "Red Sister". They were houseplants on the decline. Since plopping in the ground they have put out much more impressive leaves that are much larger than they would produce in pots. Starting to get that electric pink look on the newest leaves. I just hope I can keep them warm enough tonight.

[Moose]

That appears to be the cultivar known as Mammie. Hmmm, its December and already seen two nights @ 33F. You may expect it to defoliate if it experiences those temps a few more times. In Florida, crotons have survived lower temps than that. Its just we usually experience cold fronts that last 1-3 days, then the temps clime back up. If you have multiple nights in the 30's and then a few in the 20's with no relief - it may burn down to the roots - then come back in the spring. Mulching is very helpful.

[LJG]

That is Mammie. It seems to be a usual croton found at HD and Jungle Music. I find it to be one of the easiest crotons to grow. It likes more sun then some others I grow too. I hit 35 as a low last year am the plants never dropped a leaf. Freezing or frost will be an issue but they will grow back from in spring.

[ando.wsu]

thanks for the replies. I wrapped it with xmas lights, and threw a cover over it expecting the low to be around 30 degrees. Well, it bottomed out at 41. I think the weather man was a little off, or I have a great micro climate. Leaves are still holding strong.

[Danilopez89]

How are your tropical plants doing Bryan? I planted several crotons and ti plants and I'm curious how you have managed yours.

[ando.wsu]

They are all still alive and look great considering this hot desert environment. Just a little bit bigger. Ti plants look good. However, the heat makes them look a little raggy this time of year compared to our cooler months. I'll post some updated pics.

[Danilopez89]

They are all still alive and look great considering this hot desert environment. Just a little bit bigger. Ti plants look good. However, the heat makes them look a little raggy this time of year compared to our cooler months. I'll post some updated pics.

Oh man I'm glad to hear that. Ill keep buying the little ones. I wasn't sure if they would make it in the "deserts". I see what you mean about the ti plants. They burn pretty bad but keep growing. But that's the ones that get alot of sun. The shaded ones look good.

[ando.wsu]

Hey Danny,

Here are some croton pics. Been in the ground since 2013, or when ever I first posted about them. They get morning sun, then dappled shade in the afternoon until sunset. Of course they like water, and fertilizer, which I need to apply more often. Same goes with ti leaf. Some get a couple hours of afternoon sun but in and out of shade all day long.

During winter I have covered them, and but they have seen 28 degrees with no protection when I was out of town during a 3 day cold spell. They didn't even blink. Also because they are planted underneath palms so they have that canopy up top to provide a micro climate more favorable.

The Ti leaf variety in second pic is called schuberti the. There is that red to, and what I think in the last is a red sister that turns green when it's hot. I have another red sister that is not as green right now, not pictured. When it's cooler out the red sisters turn more burgundy and have the typical pink leaves. The red ti also turn very red when it cools and much larger leaves, overall better looking than the middle of summer. But they seem to grow fine in the desert considering their tropical origin.

[Hammer]

That is Mammie. It seems to be a usual croton found at HD and Jungle Music. I find it to be one of the easiest crotons to grow. It likes more sun then some others I grow too. I hit 35 as a low last year am the plants never dropped a leaf. Freezing or frost will be an issue but they will grow back from in spring.

How much sun Len? Any other suggestions for growing success here in Cali? I think I got the green light from the wife to add these to the garden.

[LJG]

Mammy loves sun. Even here in SoCal. I would say 3/4 sun is ideal. They do not grow well in full shade and get leggy. I would really try to find it. Home Depot has it some times and I know Phil has it at Jungle Music. They just need draining soil and a soil that dries out between waterings in winter.

[Danilopez89]

Bryan,

They look great! I didn't think they would handle so much sun. I planted several that will get no sun in winter. If they die it's ok since they are the small ones they sell for like $2-$3 at stores. I do have some bigger ones in pots that I need to plant already. So I'll plant those in a sunnier location maybe around my bizzie since Len says to plant in a place that can dry out in between waterings in the winter.

What are you giving it for fertilizers Bryan? Are the palm fertilizers okay for them. Thats all I've been using on them.

[Moose]

On 7/27/2015, 2:17:11, Danilopez89 said:

Bryan,

They look great! I didn't think they would handle so much sun. I planted several that will get no sun in winter. If they die it's ok since they are the small ones they sell for like $2-$3 at stores. I do have some bigger ones in pots that I need to plant already. So I'll plant those in a sunnier location maybe around my bizzie since Len says to plant in a place that can dry out in between waterings in the winter.

What are you giving it for fertilizers Bryan? Are the palm fertilizers okay for them. Thats all I've been using on them.

 

Palm fertilizers are just fine for crotons. They can thrive with less expensive formulas. Exhibit better colors when fed regularly. Love composted cow manure and organic soil amendments. Seem to appreciate a slightly acidic soil. There are some croton collectors here in Florida that believe that supplemental use of K-Mag makes them a bit more cold hardy. 

[Danilopez89]

10 hours ago, Moose said:

 

Palm fertilizers are just fine for crotons. They can thrive with less expensive formulas. Exhibit better colors when fed regularly. Love composted cow manure and organic soil amendments. Seem to appreciate a slightly acidic soil. There are some croton collectors here in Florida that believe that supplemental use of K-Mag makes them a bit more cold hardy. 

Cool! Thanks for the tip Moose.

[Josh-O]

22 hours ago, Moose said:

 

Palm fertilizers are just fine for crotons. They can thrive with less expensive formulas. Exhibit better colors when fed regularly. Love composted cow manure and organic soil amendments. Seem to appreciate a slightly acidic soil. There are some croton collectors here in Florida that believe that supplemental use of K-Mag makes them a bit more cold hardy. 

great tip. I'm planing on planting a few crotons in the vista garden to give it some color