Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Brilliantly coloured tropical plant with leathery leaves splashed in red, orange, yellow, and green. No two leaves are exactly alike. Needs warmth and consistency to thrive but rewards with stunning year-round colour.
Best rooms for croton
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Thrives on a sunny windowsill with several hours of direct sunlight.
How to care for croton
Maximum bright light to maintain vivid leaf colour — some direct morning sun is beneficial. Keep compost evenly moist. Hates draughts and sudden temperature changes, which cause dramatic leaf drop. Mist regularly. Feed fortnightly spring-summer. Minimum 15°C at all times.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Stem cuttings with bottom heat in spring
Toxicity
Milky sap irritates skin. Leaves and stems toxic if ingested, causing vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.
Common problems
- Leaf drop from draughts or being moved
- Fading colours in low light
- Spider mites and mealybugs
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