Tropical Curb Appeal: Choose Colorful Crotons!
One of my favorite tropical plants that packs a serious color punch are Crotons. Adding these bright plants to your yard or interior space can create a dramatic eye catching effect that will turn buyers heads.
Crotons or Codiaeum variegatum are native to the Pacific Islands and are prodigiously grown through out Polynesia. Very popular in Kama'aina gardens here in Hawaii, Crotons have only recently (last 20 years or so) found their way into interior spaces as potted plants. Crotons grow to heights of 5' to 6' and are stocky colorful shrubs. The firm waxy leaves sprouting in tight pinwheel fashion, turn from a dark green to a kaleidoscope of colors; ranging from dark red to bright pink with, purples, oranges, and yellows. Croton leaves are sensitive to light intensity and show best in part shade environments as full sun fades the coloring.
What makes Crotons a stagers dream is that the leaves can be rooted and placed in an arrangement that lasts for 2 to 3 months. Such easy maintenance is ideal for home staging and the bright colors add a powerful pop to interior decor.
Draw backs : some varieties will ooze white sap, if the leaves are torn or punctured, and it can stain fabric. Also If you move an outdoor plant inside you may lose leaves if the lighting decreases so try to find a space in the home that shares similar light to it's former outdoor environment.
Croton Varietals : 'Banana', 'Gold Dust', 'Mammy', 'Norma', 'Petra', 'Sunny Star'. Petra is the varietal shown here.
Crotons can dress up those unsightly utility pipes and still allow plenty of room for access.
JDS Consulting- Staging Hawaii nei! Providing Real Estate Merchandising services including: Home Staging, Interior Decor, Turn Key, Landscaping, Remodeling, & Open House Hosting. Visit our Blog: Questions for Kimo: Decor Design & all things Hawaiian- www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com tel.+1.808.344.1264 Kimo Stowell Copyright ©2009
Website : WaikikiRealEstateProfessionals.com
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER (808) 927 9162
E-mail : JDSDecorDesign@aol.com
These are beautiful - I have been to HI a couple of time on vacation - I always wondered what these were called....
I am lucky to have Crotons in my garden here in South Florida. As pretty as they are here, there is nothing like the colors of Hawaii!!!
Happy Friday!!
Lori
HI KIMO! Was just planning my trip back home to visit the Ohana - made me even more homesick! Beautiful! -- Gabrielle
Aloha Chris & Maria, thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Lori, South Florida isn't too shabby either. Have a great Aloha Friday.
Aloha Kamahele, Mahalo for commenting! I hope you have a wonderful visit with your Ohana i hau'oli pau hana! By the way what Island are you from? Aloha a hui hou!
Stunning Kimo,, I'm leaning toward the Petra variety as a favorite because of your photo and its very Grecian sounding name (must be the Greek Blood :) Beautiful photos!
Hi Kimo, Wow - the pictures are beautiful - as a Northeasterner I'm envious. I took a peek and your blog is filled with wonderful photos - very appealing.
Liz
Hi Kimo, this is GREAT information! :) I just reblogged this as part of the Eco All Stars February Link Love Challenge.
Thank you for this amazing and insightful information
Terrific plant photos -- thanks for sharing. All the best.
Kimo, I never knew the name but use them often in my California staging... I am also reblogging for the challenge..
Gorgeous and like staging, it wouldn't be staged if the photos didn't reflect the real beauty. Good photos, great descriptions and thanks for the education you always provide.
MORNING KIMO! I am from Hawaii - Hilo! My dad is born and raised Pahoa! Usually fly into Kona from the mainland but this time are coming into Honolulu (my dad will be at Tripler for a couple weeks) - I will try to make some time to phone you! -- Gabrielle
Hi Kimo, I absolutely love crotons, the colors, the shape of the leaf it's just a beautiful plant. When I worked in the florist shop they were always a big seller.
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!
Kimo,
These are great for placing inside the home! This plant is easy to maintain and the colors are VERY vibrant! I love the deep purple against the green it really has a nice contrast of color! Thanks for sharing the pic's!
Aloha Teresa, Croton could very well be a Greek word, I'm not sure what its etymological history is but did you know that some historians believe that Hawaiians might have descended from Ancient Greece?
Aloha Elizabeth, I used to work in Cambridge MA. many moons ago. The Boston area is amazing place I just wish it wasn't so darn cold in the winter.
Aloha Stephanie, mahalo for the reblog and thanks for visiting.
Aloha Carolin & Bob, thanks for the comment and a hui hou.
Aloha Joanne, mahalo nui loa for the reblog and good luck in the eco challenge.
Aloha Terrylynn, I just love looking at them the variations in color are so dramatic. Mahalo for commenting.
Aloha Gabrielle, I hope your Dad is ok. Have a safe trip and there's no place like being home in Hawaii.
Aloha Cynthia, they are marvelous plants that I just can't get enough of. Thanks for visiting and best wishes!
Aloha Michelle, The purple is my favorite too.
Kimo~
I LOVED this post!! I am reBlogging it as part of the Eco-All-Stars' February SHARE THE LINK LOVE Contest!
Aloha JaneAnne, mahalo for the reblog and I'm going to try to do the contest.
Kimo,
I have seen these beautiful colorful plants and even had one (out in the backyard when I used to live in California) but never knew their name. I learned something new today. I love crotons! Mahalo for the beautiful photos and the info.
great photos....lots of croton lovers
Aloha Gerry, mahalo for commenting!
Aloha Kehau, mahalo makuahine.
I love these plants - they have so much color and variety of leaf shape. I think I will reblog it too!
Aloha Georgina, mahalo for the reblog.