Crotons encompass a wide range of flowering perennials. They are native to tropical Southeast Asian and Oceania forests and can grow to ten feet high in the wild. They typically have large, oblong leaves that taper at either end and come in a variety of colors. The leaves are often green with yellow and red accents and veins. Crotons do well in a sunny environment with hot, humid air and look lovely on their own or paired with other plants. Let’s look at what plants look good with Crotons.
Plants To Pair With Crotons
Since crotons are tropical plants, it’s always good to start with other tropical pairings. This way, they can enjoy the same environment and thrive in uniform conditions. Here are some of the best combinations to help you determine what plants look good with crotons.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are gorgeous flower-producing perennials native to tropical climates in South America. They are drought tolerant, love sun, heat, and humidity, and pair perfectly with crotons.
Bromeliads make exquisite and colorful blooms and stand about two to three feet tall. There are over 3590 species of bromeliads.
These plants pair well with crotons as they don’t need excessive care and can withstand neglect. Bromeliads can bloom for many months and up to a year, depending on the climate. They grow well with many species of Crotons including Gold Dust Croton.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is native to South Africa and includes five species in the genus. It is a perennial. In ideal conditions, birds of paradise plants can reach as high as 30 feet, though indoor and garden varieties often stand at three to six feet tall.
This ornamental plant loves warm climates and any amount of sunlight. It needs lots of water and high humidity but can survive less favorable conditions.
Philodendron
Philodendron is a large genus that includes 489 species of plant. Most are known for broad, flat leaves that are often spade-shaped, oblong, or pointed.
The great variety of philodendrons allows for many different levels of customization when pairing them with crotons. The size, shape, color, and height of plants can be handpicked to accommodate any garden.
Philodendron doesn’t require much care beyond regular watering and maintenance. They like warm climates but can survive cold winters just fine.
Dracaena
Dracaena includes over 120 species of succulent shrubs and trees. The plants are often fern-like with long, pointed leaves and a uniform shape. They can reach anywhere between two and ten feet high and do well indoors and out.
Dracaena enjoy temperate climates with high humidity but can withstand cooler temperatures. They don’t do well in direct sunlight and don’t have very high water needs. They need well-drained soil and lots of ambient light.
Pothos
Pothos is a small creeping vine plant with large, spade-shaped leaves. It’s native to French Polynesia and grows well in any light condition except direct sunlight. Pothos is one of the easiest house plants to grow but can do well in a garden too. Their wild and winding vines complement the more structured look of crotons quite well.
Pothos enjoy warm temperatures and moderately moist soil conditions.
Spider Plant
Try a spider plant for a smaller alternative that pairs well with crotons. Spider plants only grow 12 to 15 inches high but have long, ribbon-like green and white leaves that fill out the space quite nicely.
Spider plants can survive inconsistent watering and only need moderate to bright light. They don’t need much water and do better with medium-dry soil. Avoid putting them in direct sunlight as it will brown and burn the leaves.
Peace Lily
The last plant on this list that looks nice with crotons is peace lilies. There are around 50 species of peace lily native to tropical South America and Southeast Asia.
Peace lilies need lots of moisture and constant watering, and they do best with very bright light but not direct sunlight. Peace lilies don’t do well with cold temperatures or low humidity. High humidity and moderate warmth are best.
Wrap Up
While crotons are stunning in almost any arrangement, to ensure optimal growth and achieve the best visual layout, it’s essential to consider pairings from an aesthetic standpoint. Bromeliads, birds of paradise, philodendron, dracaena, pothos, spider plants, and peace lily are all excellent places to start when deciding what plants look good with crotons.