An easy-to-care-for plant, croton, whose scientific name is codiaeum variegatum, is an evergreen shrub. It is predominantly found in Southeast Asia.
In today’s high-stress world, we’re always looking for ways to find more balance, relaxation and healing in our lives. One powerful yet often overlooked remedy is closer than you may realize – right in your own backyard! Growing beautiful plants like the banana croton offers a host of benefits for your mind, body and spirit. Read on to learn why this showy tropical is so much more than just a pretty face, and how adding it to your garden can promote wellbeing through the natural therapy of horticulture.
An Overview of Banana Croton
Banana croton scientifically known as Croton variegatus is a stunning plant that originates from the forests of Southeast Asia. It’s a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is praised for its vibrant, tropical foliage. The paddle-shaped leaves emerge in a range of captivating colors – from bright yellow to rich orange, fiery red and bubblegum pink. New growth starts out light green and transforms as the plant matures.
Beyond its incredible colors, banana croton can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide in its native habitat. Thankfully there are plenty of compact cultivars perfect for gardens of any size. Dwarf types like ‘Petite’ and ‘Gold Dust’ max out under 3 feet tall. Their smaller stature makes them excellent container plants for patios and porches.
No matter what size you choose, adding a banana croton to your outdoor space brings an exotic, tropical feel even in temperate climates. And growing this dazzling plant provides therapeutic benefits for you as the gardener
The Therapeutic Powers of Gardening With Plants Like Banana Croton
Interaction with plants has long been associated with healing, but scientific studies are now proving these benefits:
Stress Relief
Being around plants is calming for the nervous system. Gardening also provides a mental distraction from stressful thoughts. Focusing your attention on tending to your banana croton can instantly relax and rejuvenate you.
Boosted Immunity
Spending time outdoors around plants can boost immune function and lower inflammation in the body. Chemicals released by plants also have antimicrobial properties to ward off illness.
Improved Mental Health
The sights, sounds and smells of an outdoor garden provide a soothing natural environment. This has been shown to lift mood, relieve anxiety/depression and improve focus.
Cognitive Stimulation
The physical and mental activity involved in gardening keeps the brain active and engaged. It exercises cognitive processes to help delay dementia.
Connecting With Nature
Caring for living plants fulfills the human need to nurture and forges a deeper connection with the natural world. This sense of meaning significantly impacts wellness.
With all of these scientifically-backed benefits, it’s clear that spending time among plants like the vibrant banana croton is hugely beneficial for both physical and mental health.
Optimal Way to Display Banana Croton for Therapeutic Effects
To fully leverage the healing powers of the banana croton, consider the following tips for displaying it in your therapeutic garden:
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Plant in a prominent spot where you’ll brush past its leaves or see it from inside the home. This creates opportunities for regular interaction.
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Incorporate multiple plants together for maximum impact – combine with elephant ears, cannas or palms.
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Place a bench, chair or hammock nearby to provide a relaxation zone with prime plant views.
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Add lighting to illuminate the garden in the evenings so you can experience benefits after sunset too.
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Site banana croton where you’ll see and care for it often, like just off a doorway or alongside a walkway.
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Try container planting on a patio or balcony within easy reach. Dwarf cultivars thrive in pots.
By thoughtfully displaying your banana croton where you’ll reap the most benefits, you can boost its therapeutic effects and add beauty to your daily life.
Caring for a Banana Croton to Enhance Your Gardening Experience
While banana croton offers big rewards, it does require some care and maintenance to help it thrive. Attending to its needs is all part of the therapeutic process! Follow these tips:
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Water whenever the top several inches of soil become dry. Increase water in hot weather.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Prune to shape the plant and remove dead leaves/stems which can be cut back to any live nodes.
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Mist the leaves or use a pebble tray to boost humidity around your plant.
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Re-pot container plants each spring until they reach maturity. Use a potting mix for tropicals.
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Move indoors before night temperatures drop below 50°F. Provide ample light.
Don’t be afraid to get hands-on with pruning, staking and other care for maximum plant contact. Caring for your banana croton is rewarding and keeps it looking its best!
Integrating Banana Croton into the Garden Design for Health Benefits
Now that you know the therapeutic virtues of this incredible plant, it’s time to find the perfect spot to showcase it in your landscape. Here are some design ideas:
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Plant as a focal point at the center of a garden bed surrounded by lower-growing plants.
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Use multiple banana crotons in cluster for a greater visual impact.
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Mix with elephant ear plants and cannas for complementary tropical textures.
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Border a path or walkway to brush alongside its leaves.
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Add to poolside or patio planters for conveniently close plant contact.
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Use larger growing varieties as a screening plant or living fence.
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Grow dwarf cultivars in containers mounted at seated height for easy access.
With endless design options, you can easily find ways to integrate this therapeutic plant into your surroundings. Prioritize proximity and visibility for the most benefit.
Harnessing the Healing Power of Gardening
As you can see, growing plants like the vibrant banana croton in your garden goes far beyond just enjoying their beauty. Interacting with these living plants can provide measurable improvements to your mental and physical wellbeing. By thoughtfully incorporating therapeutic plants into your landscape and caring for them regularly, you can harness the natural healing power of gardening right at home. Give the brilliant banana croton a try – your mind, body and spirit will thank you!
How to plant croton plants at home?
- For planting a croton plant, take a pot and ensure that there are small holes at the bottom of the pot for the water to drain.
- Place the croton plant in such a way that there is some distance between the roots and the base of the pot.
- Next, fill the pot with mud and manure. Water it diligently. Ensure you keep the croton plant where you get a lot of light, else the colours on the leaf won’t develop properly.
- You can also propagate a croton plant by its cutting. Place the cutting of the stem with a leaf in a pot, such that it is not too deep inside the pot. Also, keep the soil moist and not watery. Alternatively, you can propagate croton plant in water too instead of soil.
- Pruning the croton plant is not necessarily needed but you can remove the dried leaves once they fall, for better growth of the croton plant.
See also: How to grow and take care of Duranta Erecta
What are the benefits of a croton plant?
- While croton plants have safety concerns, industries use them to make medicines.
- These plants help purify the air quality in the house.
- Colourful croton pants also have a great impact on one’s mental health and spread positivity in the house.
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FAQ
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