The Perfect Fall Foliage That Effortlessly Transitions To A Houseplant

The arrival of fall signals many things, from changing leaves and cooler temperatures to pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking. For those who dabble in container gardening, the transition to fall presents an opportunity to revamp your planters. Some gardeners may add some late-blooming flowers like florist's mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) and asters (Aster), while others might be drawn to the majestic movement of ornamental grasses. While blooms and movement are important for any container plans, incorporating a plant with colorful foliage into your fall decor is a great way to switch things up. One option is croton (Codiaeum variegatum), a striking addition to your autumnal planter design. As a bonus, once fall is over, you can transition your croton from an outside pot into an indoor houseplant.  

Part of the Euphorbiaceae family, crotons are related to another seasonal staple, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima). A tropical plant native to regions like India, Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, and northern Australia, crotons feature bright, multicolored leaves that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This perennial evergreen shrub can grow as tall as 10 feet in its wild habitat, but most houseplant crotons are small and manageable. It needs fertile, moist soil with excellent drainage to thrive. Its exact light preferences depend on the climate, but in general, your croton will flourish in a location that receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight. As you can imagine, crotons are not very cold-hardy and will drop their leaves when temperatures remain below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That's why it is essential to move your croton inside once temperatures drop, and these variegated plants will spruce up your indoor spaces.

As mentioned, the star of the croton plant is its foliage. Since there are more than 100 varieties of this plant, you can find different leaf shapes like oval, wavy, and even corkscrew, amongst others. Flaunting variegated foliage in orange, red, and yellow, it's easy to see why they are a perfect match for autumnal pots and planters. As the leaves age, the colors change from green into a kaleidoscopic patchwork of brilliant hues and patterns. The intensity of these patterns depends on the amount of light the plants receive. Cold-hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, crotons need full sun to partial shade to create their colorful palette. If the plant doesn't get enough sun, its leaves will remain green. As for watering habits, keep the soil consistently moist by giving your plant water when the top inch of soil is dry. 

Outside, you can place your potted croton on your porch, deck, patio, or balcony, surrounded by other festive seasonal decor like pumpkins, winter squash, and cornstalks. If you want to add your croton to a mixed container, try pairing it with flowers like mums and pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) alongside a spiller like sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas). Croton's sturdy foliage will offer a nice accent to the dainty blooms and trailing leaf tendrils. For those who have planted a croton as an annual to temporarily fill up space in the garden, you can remove it from the ground and pot it once temperatures start to cool. Choose a pot that is between 4 and 7 gallons to give your croton plenty of room to grow. 

Crotons are not tolerant of cold conditions or dramatic fluctuations in temperatures, and the loss of leaves is a telltale sign your croton plant is in trouble. Thankfully, crotons make excellent houseplants. 'Petra' croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra') is one of the most popular indoor plants, known for its oval green leaves with veining in colors like tangerine and yellow. This variety can grow as tall as 6 feet, so it would make a show-stopping floor plant. On the opposite spectrum, the 'Banana' croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Banana'), defined by its lance-like twisting leaves, will stay under 4 feet tall when kept as a houseplant. If you're dealing with a smaller variety of croton, consider showing them off on mantles, shelves, or window sills.

Your croton houseplant's care needs are similar to those outdoors. Place your croton in an area that will get bright, indirect sunlight, preferably between six to eight hours. Choose a spot near an east or south-facing window to ensure the leaves receive enough light to maintain their gorgeous colors. Your watering frequency should stay the same, with a decrease during the winter. Make sure to keep your croton away from any drafty areas and air-conditioning vents, as the change in temperature could negatively affect your plant. In order to thrive, humidity should be between 40% to 80%. You can increase humidity by setting up a humidifier or a pebble tray. Depending on your space, you could also keep your plant in more humid areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Mist the leaves regularly to keep your plant happy.