The vibrant and colorful banana croton plant, also known as Codiaeum variegatum is a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces. With its showy foliage in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red it’s easy to see why. However, knowing when and how to harvest your banana croton is key to keeping it looking its best. In this article, we’ll go over the optimal timing and techniques for harvesting your banana croton plant.
When to Harvest Your Banana Croton
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting your banana croton. Here are some tips on identifying when it’s time:
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Wait until the plant is fully mature. This usually takes 6 months to 1 year from germination. The leaves will reach their maximum size and vibrant colors when mature.
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Harvest in late summer or early fall. This is when the leaves are most vibrant. The cooler weather also means the plant has slowed its growth making it less stressful.
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Look for faded color or yellowing leaves. This is a sign the leaves are aging and it’s a good time to harvest.
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Avoid harvesting during active growth periods in spring and early summer. This can stress the plant.
Picking the right time ensures you get the most colorful and heathy leaves for displaying. It also avoids unnecessary stress to the plant.
Technique for Harvesting Banana Croton Leaves
When you’ve determined it’s time to harvest your banana croton, follow these steps for best results:
1. Use Clean, Sharp Shears
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Invest in a good pair of gardening shears that are sharp and sanitized.
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Dull shears will crush the stems, damaging the plant.
2. Select Healthy, Mature Leaves
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Choose leaves that have reached maximum size and vibrancy.
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Avoid old, damaged or diseased leaves.
3. Cut at an Angle Just Above a Node
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Identify leaf nodes where a stem connects to the main branch.
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Make the cut just above the node at a 45 degree angle.
4. Limit Harvesting
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Only harvest up to 1/3 of leaves at one time.
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Allow several weeks between harvests for regrowth.
5. Post-Harvest Care
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Water plant thoroughly after harvesting leaves.
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Apply fertilizer to encourage new growth.
Following these simple steps will allow you to harvest the most vivid banana croton leaves and minimize stress on your plant.
Storing Harvested Banana Croton Leaves
Once harvested, proper storage is important for preserving your banana croton leaves:
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Place leaves in a vase or jar of water to keep hydrated. Change water every 2-3 days.
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Hang leaves upside down to air dry if desired for use in arrangements or crafts.
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Avoid storing in plastic bags or containers which can encourage rot.
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Display leaves out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
With proper hydration and air circulation, the harvested leaves can last up to 2 weeks before wilting.
Common Questions about Harvesting Banana Croton
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about harvesting banana croton plants:
Can I harvest leaves more than once a year?
Yes, you can harvest up to 2-3 times per year. Allow 6-8 weeks between harvests for regrowth.
How do I encourage bushier growth after harvesting?
Pinch or trim new growth back to a leaf node which promotes lower branching and fullness.
What causes browning leaf tips after harvesting?
Browning is usually caused by harvesting incorrectly. Ensure stems are cut cleanly above a node. Change vase water frequently.
Can I harvest banana croton grown indoors?
Yes, the same guidelines apply for indoor grown plants. Make sure it receives sufficient light to reach maturity.
Can I propagate from harvested stems?
Absolutely! 4-6 inch stem cuttings will readily root in soil or water to create new plants.
Conclusion
Learning when and how to properly harvest your banana croton ensures you get the most out of this beautiful plant. Follow the tips above to maximize the vibrancy of the leaves and minimize stress on the plant. Proper post-harvest care will extend the life of the foliage. In no time, you’ll have a steady supply of gorgeous colorful leaves to decorate with all season long.
Taxonomy Scientific name
Banana Croton needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
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How to fertilize Banana Croton
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Banana Croton after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Banana Croton prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Banana Croton requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Banana Croton doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Banana Croton does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Banana Croton should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
It’s common for Banana Croton to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Banana Croton is native to Southeast Asia, Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.