Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
📖 About this plant
One of the most colorful foliage plants available, featuring thick, leathery leaves in an astonishing array of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, and cream — often all on the same plant. Each variety has a unique leaf shape and color pattern. Colors intensify with more light. A living work of art that demands attention in any setting.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright indirect to full sun (6+ hrs)
Every 1-2 weeks
High (60-80%)
18-30°C
Well-draining, fertile potting mix; loam-based soil with added peat and perlite for moisture retention
Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall; reduce in winter
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the western Pacific islands
- 📏 Max height
- 90-300 cm (outdoors); 30-90 cm (indoors)
- 📐 Spread
- 60-90 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Rarely indoors
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Red, Yellow, Orange, Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Mildly toxic — sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans
- 🌱 Propagation
- Stem cuttings (4-6 inches) rooted in water or moist potting mix with bottom heat; air layering
🛡️ Health & Safety
Mildly toxic — sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans
Common issues
- Spider mites (major pest), Crown gall, Root rot from overwatering, Leaf drop from cold drafts
💡 Care tips
- Leaves become more vivid with more light,Requires consistent warmth and hates cold drafts,Sap can irritate skin so wear gloves when handling,Leaf drop usually indicates cold stress or overwatering
