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Description
Croton Glandulosus, also known as the glandular croton or poor man’s castor oil plant, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family. It is native to the Caribbean and South America, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Florida and Hawaii. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has large, glossy leaves that are green on top and purple underneath. It produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Euphorbiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Croton |
Appearance
The Croton Glandulosus plant has large, glossy leaves that are green on top and purple underneath. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape, with serrated edges. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a spread of up to 4 feet. It produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the summer and fall. The flowers are not showy and are followed by small, three-lobed capsules that contain the seeds.
Care Guide
Croton Glandulosus is a relatively low maintenance plant. It requires moderate watering, with the soil being allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be fertilized every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers bright, indirect light and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Croton Glandulosus plant is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and whiteflies. It is also susceptible to leaf spot and root rot. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the plant clean and free of debris, and to avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Croton Glandulosus is native to the Caribbean and South America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and disturbed areas. It is also commonly found in cultivation as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Croton Glandulosus poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Q: Can Croton Glandulosus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should Croton Glandulosus be fertilized?
A: It should be fertilized every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Croton Glandulosus?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Croton arboreus
- Croton laccifer
- Croton lechleri
- Croton megalocarpus
- Croton tiglium
References
- “Croton glandulosus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277637&isprofile=0&basic=Croton%20glandulosus. Accessed 21 June 2021.
- Croton Glandulosus. (2019). In Floridata. Retrieved from https://floridata.com/tracks/Gardening/Croton-Glandulosus/
- “Croton glandulosus.” University of Florida, www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Glandulosus/glandulosus.htm. Accessed 21 June 2021.
