Light: Bright to partial sunny with morning sun, late evening sun, winter sun Temperature: Room temperature all year round, at least 59 °F (15 °C) in winter Soil: Mixes for houseplants or other container plants, palms, herbs, vegetables Watering: Allow to dry moderately, do not allow to dry out, no waterlogging Feeding: Liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer from spring to late summer Growth habit, height: Shrub, 40 to 150 centimetres Poisonous plant: Yes Origin: Tropical Pacific, Australia (distribution map)
Light: Bright to partial sunny with morning sun, late evening sun, winter sun Temperature: Room temperature all year round, at least 59 °F (15 °C) in winter Soil: Mixes for houseplants or other container plants, palms, herbs, vegetables Watering: Allow to dry moderately, do not allow to dry out, no waterlogging Feeding: Liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer from spring to late summer Growth habit, height: Shrub, 40 to 150 centimetres Poisonous plant: Yes Origin: Tropical Pacific, Australia (distribution map)
The croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a common member of the Euphorbiaceae family. It has many cultivars available in a variety of colors, with broad, small, or twisted leaves. The foliage is leathery and starts out green, developing more color as it matures.
Croton cultivar “Mora”
Plant care
To maintain the colorful foliage of the Croton, it needs a bright and sunny location; if placed in a lightly shaded or shady area, the plant will tend to develop more green foliage. Plants that are fully grown and in large containers can withstand exposure to intense summer sunlight.
Use a good regular potting mix and keep it evenly moist, but not wet, as sitting in water can cause rotten roots. The soil’s surface should be allowed to slightly dry between watering, but it shouldn’t dry completely.
Codiaeum variegatum “Sunny Star”
In spring and summer, you can give a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once a month.
Codiaeum variegatum can be grown at room temperature throughout the year with a winter minimum of 15°C/59°F. If kept within this temperature range, it requires less watering (but should not be allowed to dry out completely) and does not need to be fed.
Propagation
You can propagate the croton like other members of the spurge family by using cuttings.
Spurges: Euphorbia tithymaloides “Variegata” (left), Euphorbia lenewtonii (right) the fire croton.
