the croton (codiaeum variegatum) is the most common member of the genus, belonging to the euphorbiaceae family. there are a lot of cultivars availalbe, in nearly every color you want, with broad, small or twisted leaves. its leathery foliage is starting out green and developing more colorful as it matures.
care
for developing its colorful foliage the croton needs a bright and sunny location without afternoon sun. light shaded or shaded placed plants tend to develop more green leaves.
a good regular potting mix can be used. keep it evenly moist but not wet, sitting in water can cause rotten roots. a slightly drying of the soil’s surface between watering will be tolerated, but it shouldn’t dry completely.
a water soluble fertilizer at half strenght can be given monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks in fall and winter (if placed at approx. 20 °c/68 °f).
codiaeum variegatum can be grown at room temperature the year round with a winter minimum of 16 °c/60 °f. if placed at this temperature range it needs less watering (but shouldn’t dry out at all) and no feeding.
a high humidity is welcome. it can be increased by spraying it over with water every morning or placing the pot on a large plant saucer, filled with water. to assure that the pot do not contact the water put it in a smaller plant saucer.
propagation
the croton can be propagated with cuttings.
