The gorgeous houseplant known as the croton plant (Codiaeum variegatum) is prized for its eye-catching, vibrant foliage. This lovely, simple-to-grow houseplant has variegated leaves with green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches. Besides having beautiful leaves, croton has many benefits to offer. This article will discuss everything you need to know about croton plant benefits.
If you are interested in plant benefits, you can also read
<<Kalanchoe Plant Benefits>> and <<Fittonia Plant Benefits>> articles.
About Croton plant
Codiaeum variegatum is one of the six species of broadleaf evergreen perennials, shrubs, and small trees in this genus of euphorbias (Euphorbiaceae) that are indigenous to tropical Asia and the western Pacific.
There are numerous evergreen croton shrub varieties, each with distinctive leaf color and pattern variations. They are commonly employed as landscape shrubs for dramatic hedges, striking focal points in gardens, or potted specimens around buildings in subtropical and tropical regions.
Croton is a branching, bushy shrub that can reach a height of 10 feet in its natural habitat. However, as a houseplant, they are often much smaller than wild plants. Their large, leathery leaves range in length from 2 to 12 inches and are highly varied [1].
Note: It is not advisable to grow this plant in households with curious dogs or young children as it is toxic in all parts, especially the seeds. Croton trees, when damaged, release a milky sap that can also irritate the skin.
Croton plant benefits
The benefits of Croton plants are not limited just to their beauty. This lovely plant has a lot to offer in terms of benefits. Here are a few of the most significant croton plant benefits:
Fresh indoor air
According to NASA studies, “Houseplants scrub indoor air contaminants, improving the quality and safety of our air.” NASA also states that some houseplants are able to reduce levels of benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. These substances are frequently found in residential and commercial spaces thanks to the presence of adhesives and other construction materials.
Although the Croton plant was not part of Nasa studies, it’s clear that most houseplants like croton have air-purifying characteristics.
The ability of indoor plants to recycle carbon dioxide is another advantage of croton plants. They transform and recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen during photosynthesis and help humans breathe [2].
Natural humidifier
Through the process of transpiration, plants leak moisture from tiny pores in their leaves, raising the relative humidity of the air around them. Plants are thought to discharge around 97% of the moisture they take in.
Increasing the humidity in the house may not seem preferable during the hot, humid months, but it can be very helpful during the dry winter months. According to a study from the Agricultural University of Norway, grouping indoor plants together can reduce the incidence of sore throats, colds, and dry skin.
Codiaeum variegatum plants have a relatively high transpiration rate, making them a natural humidifier. This suggests that putting some croton plants around the house could improve the humidity level of the air inside.
Easy propagation
Another croton plant benefit is that it is simple to propagate. It grows best from stem cuttings rooted in water or soil. Avoid propagating croton plants from seeds, splitting or dividing the plant, or rooting the leaves since these techniques are ineffective [3].
A feng shui plant
As was previously said, croton plants have vibrant foliage and Croton leaves come in a variety of hues. Since one of the fundamental principles of feng shui is balance, Croton plant colors can symbolize several distinct aspects and possibly combine a whole set of 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) to attain optimum harmony [4].
Similar to how the five elements pagoda may effectively dispel negative energy, croton plants are excellent feng shui items for treatments and dissolving sha chi.
Mental health
It has been demonstrated that simply having a few houseplants in the house can enhance general happiness and mental wellness.
Nowadays, researchers use nature to treat individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses. Adding just one or two plants to your house can uplift your mood and make you feel more connected to nature.
Therapeutic properties
Despite severe safety concerns about croton plants, some people in Asia and Africa utilize the oil from croton seeds to manufacture medicine. They use it as a purgative medicine to irritate the stomach to such a degree that it result in vomiting and unpleasant, cramping diarrhea. Additionally, they use croton seeds to treat malaria, colic, clogged intestines, and gallbladder issues [5].
In addition, in order to treat gout, muscle and joint pain (rheumatism), nerve pain (neuralgia), and bronchitis, croton seeds are occasionally applied directly to the skin.
Crotons contain a variety of compounds that have medicinal uses. The potential application of croton plants in medicine fascinates scientists. However, because the plants also contain poisons, the experts advise against using them carelessly [6].
Caution: Croton seeds are UNSAFE when used orally or applied on the skin. One drop can have negative effects, whereas Twenty drops of croton seed oil can result in death. When used orally, croton seeds can result in mouth burning, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, stupor, painful bowel motions and abortions in pregnant women. Croton seeds can also result in scorching, burning, and itching if applied to the skin.
Aesthetic appeal
One of the important croton plant benefits is its aesthetic appeal. The croton plant is one of the most well-liked indoor plants because of the stunning variety of hues and tones that a single plant’s foliage may take on.
The plant has an excellent structure due to the huge, pointed leaves that stand straight on sturdy stems. They can reach heights of many feet, filling corners and bringing life to the house.
The combinations of colors are unique to each croton plant and each leaf. As the plant ages, its leaves also change color, resulting in an annual kaleidoscope of different designs.
Reducing noise and stress
That’s not all benefits of croton plants. One of the less well-known benefits of houseplants is noise reduction. House plants, like Codiaeum variegatum, may reflect, diffract, and absorb sound. Greenery and plants can be creatively incorporated into a space to reduce workplace noise and provide biophilic features. According to studies, both live green walls and plants are good at absorbing sound and noise pollution.
Beyond their ability to absorb sound, plants can enhance a worker’s general well-being. It has been discovered that having access to natural components like plants, daylight, and organic textures increases employee productivity and lowers absenteeism. Houseplants like croton plants have been found to improve team members’ moods and reduce stress.
