Gold Dust CrotonNative to Java, Australia, and the South Sea Islands, the Gold dust croton is among the many varieties of croton plants, known for their colorful and lustrous display of foliage apart from their leaf variations, which have become the basis for their classification. Crotons are sensitive to cold climate with their plant roots being the most sensitive part, hence, they cannot thrive on the Northern parts of Florida, lest they suffer cold injury. Gold dust crotons are bushy and upright in growth with very dark green foliage highlighted with bright yellow dots or gold dust, thus, the term. The gold-dusted leaves of croton make the plant attractive and many farmers, gardeners and plant growers favor it. It is effective in producing a striking appearance on one’s home or office. Most owners of flower arrangement shops delight in this variety of croton as it makes an amazing highlight to an arrangement. 
In its prime stage, a gold dust is in possession of leaves with yellow spots dependent upon the light. So, if the light is low or minimal, the gold dusts are definite to fade until they disappear. It is recommended, therefore, to place gold dust croton plants on areas where they can get plenty of sunlight, specifically, a bit shy of full sun exposure to maintain its bright gold specks. An indication that crotons are suffering from cold temperature such as below 50 degrees, is when their leaves start falling off. Croton varieties, including the gold-dusted can be cultivated in pots. When grown potted, the surface of the soil in small containers must be dry to touch between watering sessions. If the pot is 8” or larger, the soil should be allowed to dry down for about 2 inches from the surface before the plant is watered again.
Besides watering, crotons need plant fertilizers to ensure healthy growth. Experts advise to feed crotons with balanced fertilizer twice a month. Bearing the scientific name Codiaeum Variegatum, crotons are famous as a houseplant because of their attractive and variegated foliage in different leaf types. They develop their best color when planted or positioned in areas receiving a mixture of shade and sun. When cultivated in shaded or semi-shaded locations, the leaves are inclined to maintain all green, without the gold dusts. Propagating a gold dust croton is easy from leaf bud cuttings and greenwood cuttings. In fact, propagation of crotons is best done from budding stage.Using clear pruning shares, remove a 5 inch section of new growth, dip it into a rooting hormone and then into potting soil. Keep away from direct sunlight until roots strike. Similar Posts _________________________________________________________________ Top of Gold Dust Croton Listed under Landscape Plants |
