If you’re looking for a unique plant unlike anything else out there but still easy to grow and a bit hands-off, then the Croton Picasso Paintbrush is for you. Crotons are colorful, low-maintenance plants that thrive with a small degree of neglect. The Picasso Paintbrush has thin, wispy foliage that really does resemble an upright paintbrush. The foliage is predominately green but features yellow, red, and deep burgundy accents. Picasso Paintbrush Croton care is simple, and here is everything you need to know about this lovely houseplant.
How Often to Water Picasso Paintbrush
For a plant that likes to be left alone, the most attention a Croton plant needs is when it comes to water. Keeping the plant adequately hydrated is the hardest part of caring for a Croton, although this is not hard when you understand what the plant needs. Most issues the plant faces come back to water stress.
Give the Picasso Paintbrush Croton water when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. Wait until the soil is dry throughout to water the plant when it’s dormant.
Underwatered Croton
Dry, wilted leaves indicate the plant is too dry, especially if the parched foliage first appears at the bottom of the plant. Revive a dry Croton by immediately watering the plant.
Overwatered Croton
Wilted leaves may also indicate the plant is overwatered. Help an overwatered Croton recover by helping the plant dry out. Ensure the Croton Picasso Paintbrush receives lots of sunlight and wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again. In extreme instances, you may need to repot the plant with fresh, dry soil, or if the roots are too far gone, start over and take cuttings to propagate the plant.
Temperature for Picasso Paintbrush Croton
Croton plants can grow outdoors as perennials in USDA zones 9 through 11. In other areas, these plants are commonly featured as houseplants. The Picasso Paintbrush Croton is an excellent plant to move outdoors in the summer.
Outdoor living can be hard for some houseplants acclimated to indoor life, but Crotons thrive in warm temperatures, high humidity, and even some direct sunlight. Increased sunlight can bring out the variegation in the foliage. Moving a Picasso Paintbrush to a porch or patio will add color to your space and help your plant thrive. Get the plant back inside well before the temperature turns chilly because the Picasso Paintbrush does not like to be cold.
Croton Leaf Drop
Croton plants, in general, including the Picasso Paintbrush, are very easy houseplants to maintain. One issue that can occur is leaf drop. In some instances, Croton plants will lose foliage. Croton leaf loss is a reaction to stress or an issue related to the plant’s care. Get back to basics if your Croton plant loses foliage.
Does Picasso Paintbrush Croton Bloom?
The Picasso Paintbrush Croton can bloom and features tiny white flowers which stand out against the colorful vegetation. However, the plant only blooms when grown as a landscape plant in ideal conditions. Houseplants, even when brought outside for the summer, typically do not bloom. While it can be disappointing to miss out on the flowers, know that the foliage is the big draw of this plant, and the flowers pale in comparison to the colorful leaves.
Picasso Paintbrush Care Tips
The right location is key to growing a thriving Picasso Paintbrush Croton. This stunner needs a warm, sunny spot, and extra humidity is a plus. Once the plant is comfortable in its space, you can leave it be, water it when necessary and admire the colorful foliage.