How to propagate and prune Croton

1. Breeding Methods

1. Cutting method: Its reproduction is often carried out by cutting method. The time is spring or autumn. Choose strong branches grown that year as cuttings, and the length should be about 5-15 cm. The substrate should be water-permeable and breathable. When you are ready, you can insert the cuttings, about one-third into the soil. After planting, water it thoroughly and keep it in a warm place. It will soon take root.

2. Layering method: The layering method is to select strong branches and peel off a circle of bark 15-30 cm below, about 1 cm wide. Then prepare a piece of film, put moist soil on it, and then wrap the wound. Be sure to tie both ends of the film tightly, and it will take about a month for roots to grow.

3. Sowing method: You can also use the sowing method. Select full seeds and sow them on the soil surface after disinfection. After sowing, cover it with a 1 cm thick layer of soil, and then water it until it is moist using the immersion pot method.

2. Pruning method

Pruning of Croton is usually carried out after the transplant has survived, leaving two or three leaves and pinching the top twice. This will allow more side branches to sprout and make the plant fuller. If you find yellow leaves or diseased branches during daily management, you should cut them off in time to save nutrients and avoid infection. In addition, when repotting, you must combine it with root pruning, so that it can better absorb water and nutrients in the later stage, which is beneficial to growth.