The Colorful Picasso's paintbrush croton

Picasso's paintbrush Croton

It does not take too much imagination to see how this Croton got its name. This delightfully colorful, narrow-leafed croton hybrid looks just ready to add some color to your life. This one is fairly new on the market and I found it at a friendly florist, as it was waiting for someone who will appreciate its particular beauty.

The more direct sun this Croton gets, the more colorful and bright the new growth will be. I do not recommend Crotons for beginners. They need very regular care and a fair amount of humidity; if they dry out too much or are overwatered they can become susceptible to insects. They are well-worth the careful attention and can become splendid specimens as they grow. If you live in a house, it would be advantageous to put them outdoors, in a fairly shady spot, for the summer. 

This Croton is botanically known as Codiaeum 'Picasso's Paintbrush'.  Many of the crotons we see in stores are hybrids of Codiaeum species and are native to the tropics of South India, Ceylon and the islands of Indonesia. The Crotons are actually members of the Euphorbiaceae family of plants that includes the Christmas favorite, the poinsettia! 

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Care Instructions:

• Direct sun indoors; the more sun, the more colorful the foliage will be
• Water thoroughly as needed. 
•  For 6" (15cm)diameter pots:  The soil should be dry on the soil surface; use up to a pint of water
• For 8" (20cm)diameter pots: Let the soil dry out about 1/2" (about 1.24 cm)  below the soil surface; water with up to a quart of water
• For 10" (25cm)diameter pots: Let the soil dry about 1" (2.5 cm) below the soil surface; water with up to 2 quarts of water.   
• Needs more humidity that the average home provides. Misting daily helps.
• Air circulation helps,
• Dust leaves occasionally. Cleaning them by rinsing the leaves in the shower or outdoors once in a while, is very helpful
• Fertilize regularly for best growth

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