Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Croton, (Codiaeum variegatum) was formerly incorrectly classified as (Croton variegatum) but the common name “Croton” has stuck. It is one of six species of broadleaf evergreen perennials, shrubs, and small trees in this genus in the euphorbia family (Euphorbiaceae) which are native to tropical Asia and the western Pacific region.

In its native habitat the croton is a branching, bushy shrub that grows up to 3.5m tall with large, thick, leathery leaves 10 to 30cm long, and are quite variable. The shiny, alternate leaves may be linear to oval, have a smooth or lobed margin (sometimes deeply cut to the midrib), and some are wavy or twisted into a spiral.

Foliage colours ranges from green, variegated with white, pink, orange, red, yellow, or purple, and in various combinations that may change as the leaves age. Markings may follow along the major veins or may be blotched in regular or random patterns.

When grown as a houseplant it rarely flowers, but in tropical or subtropical climates, in spring the plants produce insignificant male and female flowers in long axillary racemes.  Pollinated female flowers are followed by fruits which are a small tripartite capsule containing three small seeds.

Codiaeum variegatum Cultivars:

There are several hundred named cultivars of this popular foliage plant, selected and bred to offer a wide diversity of leaf shapes, colours, and plant sizes.

Bear in mind that a Croton grown outdoors in a moist and humid subtropical region will grow much larger than the same one grown in a drier, cooler climate.

 ‘Andreanum’

‘Andreanum’ has broadly oval yellow leaves with gold veins and margins.

 ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’

‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ has long, slender leaves of medium green, dotted with golden yellow spots that change with age to dark red.

‘Franklin Roosevelt’

‘Franklin Roosevelt’ is similar to ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ but is splashed with yellow, orange and pink.

‘Evening Embers’

‘Evening Embers’ has unusual metallic blue-black leaves highlighted in red and green.

‘Gold Dust’

‘Gold Dust’ has bright green rounded oval leaves spotted with golden-yellow.

‘Gold Star’

‘Gold Star’ is similar to ‘Gold Dust’ with yellow spots splashed across the bright green leaves, but with much narrower leaves.

‘Magnificent’

‘Magnificent’ has green and yellow variegated oval-pointed leaves spattered in brilliant shades of red, orange, pink and sometimes bronze or purple.

‘Majesticum’

‘Majesticum’ has pendulous branches and linear leaves with yellow midrib veins that mature from deep green to red.

‘Mammy’

‘Mammy’ (or ‘Mammie’) has elongate, twisted, multi-coloured leaves tending towards greens and purples with bits of red.

‘Oakleaf’

‘Oakleaf’ has multi-coloured leaves with indentations resembling those of an oak leaf in greens to bronzes with red, orange, or yellow veining.

‘Petra’

‘Petra’ is one of the most common croton varieties available with variously coloured bold yellow, pink and orange to red markings along the veins of the dark green pointed-oval leaves, that creates an almost lacy appearance when viewed from a distance.

‘Mrs. Iceton’

‘Mrs. Iceton’ or ‘Red Iceton’ has pointed-tipped oval leaves that start out a bright, warm yellow and change into pink and red as they age.

‘Spirale’

‘Spirale’ has narrow red and green leaves that twist in a spiral.

‘Thai String’

Thai String’ has multi-coloured, very narrow leaves.

‘Zanzibar’

‘Zanzibar’ has long, slender, grassy-looking leaves in shades of purple, red, orange, and gold.

In the Garden & Home:

Crotons are gorgeous ornamental indoor plants, and with their awesome leaf colours and variegations, are sure to brighten up any room and lift your mood. Pairing this beauty with a classic planter to accentuate its striking foliage will make it an exquisite table top or shelf centrepiece.

In our frost free subtropical regions crotons are used outdoors in mixed tropical plantings of ornamental shrubs. They are frequently used for dramatic hedges, bold focal points in gardens, or potted specimens around buildings.

If you plan to grow them in pots, consider choosing pot colours that accentuate the colours of the foliage, either echoing one of the leaf colours, or colours that contrasts with the dominant colour. This concept also works well if you apply it to any annuals or perennials growing around your croton.

Remember, in the landscape less is more when it comes to shrubs with such bold foliage, and even in a tropical themed garden using too much colour will be overwhelming, so for the best effect, use crotons in the garden with discretion.

Image by hartono subagio from PixabayIndoor Cultivation of Crotons:

How much light do crotons need indoors?

To retain the brilliance of their foliage, they require bright light and a warm position indoors, and although they will enjoy some morning sun, intense sun can burn the foliage.

How much humidity do crotons need indoors?

Medium to high humidity is a must, so mist your plant regularly, and place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles or gravel, and top the drip tray up with water. The pebbles ensure that the pot is not sanding in water, and as the water evaporates it creates humidity around the leaves.  In very dry regions a home humidifier would work wonders for many of your pot plants.

What is the optimal temperature for growing crotons indoors?

These tropical plants are used to consistent temperatures throughout the year, and they hate sudden changes in temperature and draughts, especially cold ones.

Crotons do best at temperatures between 16 and 30°C, often suffering leaf drop if temperatures remain below 10°C. Therefore, the temperature inside our homes should be comfortable for our crotons too.

How to water Crotons indoors

Water moderately in summer, but do not overwater, wait for the top 50% of the potting soil to reach dryness. As the weather cools down in autumn and winter, cut down on watering and keep the plant only slightly moist.

How to fertilise Crotons indoors

Feed every 2 to 4 weeks throughout summer with a balanced fertiliser for pot plants, and let the plant rest over winter.

How to prune Crotons indoors

If your indoor plants get a bit ‘leggy’ they can be pruned lightly in early spring, before new growth begins to stimulate branching.

Image by Jean Louis SERVAIS from PixabayOutdoor Cultivation of Crotons:

These tender tropical plants can only be grown outdoors in moist, humid, sub-tropical and tropical regions.

They are easy and will grow quickly in any rich, well-drained garden soils. To retain their brilliance, place them in abundant light, including partial sun. Morning sun is best or dappled shade throughout the day.

Water moderately during dry summer spells, and check potted specimens often, as they will need more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Feed shrubs in the ground every 6 to 8 weeks in summer with a balanced fertiliser, and potted ones every 2 to 4 weeks.

Plants can be pruned hard in early spring before new growth begins to stimulate branching and new growth.

Propagation:

This plant is easily propagated by air layering in spring or by taking softwood cuttings in early summer. Although it can be grown from seed, the offspring won’t resemble the parent, so asexual propagation is the only way to maintain specific cultivars.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Crotons have few pest problems other than the usual insects that commonly infest houseplants, like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These can all be treated with Neem oil spray.

Toxicity:

As with most plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, the milky sap that bleeds from cut stems may cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

Crotons are considered toxic if consumed, best kept out of reach of children and pets.