Last updated on September 26th, 2022 at 01:26 pm
Sunlight is the most important climatic factor determining the degree of survival, growth and reproduction of a plant.
Plants differ in the amount of sunlight they need. Some plants need partial sunlight, while some others require full sunlight to be able to grow well.
Some people may wonder about the amount of sunlight needed by a croton plant.
A croton plant requires 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight each day. Some species grow optimally in partial shade. Too little sunlight would cause the plant leaves to be less colourful and bright. In addition, it can result in stunted growth. Too much sun exposure would cause the leaves to become scorched, turn brown and result in poor growth.
How Many Hours of Sunlight Does a Croton Plant Need?
To grow optimally and produce good-looking yellow, red, and purple coloured foliage, croton needs a minimum of 6 hours of exposure to full sunlight each day. Some other species flourish in partial shade. On average, croton requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily as a standard requirement for growing properly.
The variety of colour combinations of the foliage of croton that includes purple, green, yellow, red, orange and pink are formed in response to the amount and duration of light that croton is exposed to each day and cumulatively in its lifetime.
Sunlight is an important factor in photosynthesis, which a plant uses to manufacture sugars, proteins and other factors necessary for its growth. Chlorophyll are the pigments in plants that are reflected as the bright and colourful radiance associated with croton.
The more the light exposure, the more the intensity and brightness of the different types of pigments in Croton plants, as sunlight is the critical factor to produce these breath-taking colours!
However, too much bright light can make the foliage of croton become scorched, fade, and have restricted growth. In the same vein, too much shade can reduce the colour saturation and brightness of the foliage of croton.
Hence, to ensure a viable plant and adequate growth, you should ensure the plant is exposed to the right amount and duration of sunlight.
Since, the amount of sun that the plant is exposed to is directly proportional to the intensity of the plant’s leaves, croton plants grown indoors should be positioned on the east or west window-side where they can access a significant amount of sunlight daily.
Do Croton Plants Like Full Sun?
Croton is a sun-loving plant. Hence, croton plants prefer full sunlight for an average of 6 to 8 hours each day. Some species can tolerate partial shade.
Croton plant is a tender perennial plant that grows very well in tropical and subtropical climates. It is a drought-tolerant plant that does not tolerate hard freezes or extended freezes. These facts confirm its characteristics as a sun-loving plant.
Full sunlight is also an ideal weather factor that encourages the growth of croton when propagated from seeds and stem cuttings of already established plants. Under full sun, the plant grows to a height of up to 10 feet and a width of 3-6 feet, with an average life span of 2 to 4 years.
Will Croton Grow in the Shade?
Croton is generally a plant that thrives under full sunlight. However, some species can grow in partial shade. Irrespective, it should be exposed to 2 to 4 hours of sunlight daily.
Among the species that do well in partial shade are yellow iceton croton, petra, bravo, claude Lorraine, Duncan macaw, king of siam, mosaic, nervia, Dolores button, Fishbone, Raphael, plaid oak, Reliance, Zulu, Veitchii, polychrome and the magnificent croton.
Although some species do well under partial shade, they need to be exposed to a minimum of 6 hours of light. It should be placed in a sunny location such as the window(s) at the eastern, southern or western side of the house if grown indoors.
When grown in the shade, you should monitor the intensity and brightness of the leaves regularly to judge if they are growing optimally. If the plant lacks the required amount of light, the leaves will be less colorful, turn green and have restricted growth.
Can Croton Grow Without Sunlight?
Croton cannot survive without sunlight. Notwithstanding, some species of croton grow in partial shade.
Sunlight is a rate-limiting factor in the growth of green plants. However, plants differ in the amount and duration of their sunlight requirement.
To achieve optimal growth, plants require several factors, including climatic factors such as sunlight, rain, wind and temperature, the soil type, method of propagation, disease and pests. Sunlight is one of the critical requirements necessary for plant growth.
To grow, plants require energy throughout their lifespan. To generate energy during photosynthesis, sunlight is necessary and other factors such as macro and micronutrients, water and carbon dioxide.
Without sunlight, the seeds of croton would not germinate, its seedlings would not thrive, and already established plants would die off.
Can Croton Grow Indoors?
Crotons are famous as plants grown outdoors, but they can also be grown indoors or in greenhouses with an adequate amount and duration of sunlight.
You can obtain the same quality of plant outdoors when grown under the right conditions. As a plant fond of sunlight, lightning is one of the critical factors that should be considered when croton is grown indoors.
When grown indoors, the plant should be situated at the sunniest part of the house for at least 6 hours daily, and for species that thrive well in partial shade, the exposure to sunlight should be for 2 to 4 hours daily.
You can supplement low light by placing the croton plant as close as possible under a fluorescent light depending on the variety grown.
Conclusion
Croton is a sun-loving plant that grows, thrives and reproduces optimally when exposed to an average of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some species do well under a partial shade with exposure to weak/direct sunlight for 2 to 4 hours daily.
The plant is valued for its pleasantly coloured foliage that adds a stunning brilliance to the garden and homes of plant enthusiasts.
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