Croton
Few houseplants can rival the croton's jaw-dropping palette of red, orange, yellow, and green leaves all blazing on a single plant.
Croton needs its photo.
Identify a Croton in Rooted and share it, and yours could become the field guide image.
A Living Stained-Glass Window
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it grows as a bold landscape plant in warm, humid conditions. In most of the world it is prized as a dramatic houseplant, cultivated for its thick, glossy leaves that come in an almost unbelievable range of colors, patterns, and shapes depending on the cultivar.
Over 100 cultivars exist, from broad-leafed varieties splashed with gold to narrow, corkscrew-leafed types streaked in crimson. The intensity of leaf color is directly tied to light exposure - the more bright light a croton receives, the more vivid and saturated its colors become. In low light, leaves tend to revert toward plain green.
Planting & care
Plant crotons in a well-draining, peat-free potting mix and place them in the brightest spot you can offer indoors, ideally near a south or east-facing window. They thrive in warm temperatures between 60-85 degrees F and hate drafts, cold windowpanes, and air-conditioning vents. Keep them away from exterior doors in winter.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let excess water drain freely - crotons dislike sitting in soggy soil. Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant photosynthesize efficiently. Expect some leaf drop when you first bring one home - this is normal adjustment stress.
Handle With Care
Croton sap is a skin and eye irritant and the plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested - always wear gloves when pruning or repotting, and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Keep it out of reach of curious pets and small children.
How much sun does Croton need?
Croton grows best in bright indirect to direct light indoors.
How often should you water Croton?
Give it about 1 in per week, allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings.