Croton Codiaeum variegatum

Crotons are woody, flowering, broadleaf evergreen shrubs in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)  reaching heights of 8 feet in the narrow climate range of their native habitat, Malaysia, Pacific islands and northern Australia. It is more common to see these plants grown indoors where they can attain a height of 3 feet. While the wild type has green glossy leaves; whereas the cultivars, of which there are hundreds, are grown for their attractive, variegated foliage. The leaves of crotons may vary in size, shape or color depending on which cultivars are grown. The genus name comes from the Latinized version of the Ternate vernacular name, kodiho. The species epithet, variegatum, means variegated, in reference to the color of the foliage.

Crotons prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil that is occasionally dry and low-to-medium relative humidity. Water them liberally from spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. Mist leaves regularly, daily if possible. They are easy to grow as an indoor houseplant or outdoor accent plant in winter hardy sites in USDA Zones 11 and 12. The plants need bright light for the best leaf color, with some direct sun, and may lose lower leaves in too much shade. To meet the plant's humidity requirements, consider standing the plant on bed of wet pebbles when indoors. Crotons do not require winter dormancy but appreciate a resting period with reduced watering from fall to late winter.

Where protected from frost, use crotons as foundation plants, hedges or specimen plants. Bring the plants indoors when temperatures reach 50 degrees F. or treat them as tender annuals planted outdoors in summer. Alternatively, enjoy them year-round as houseplants. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are green, leathery, and glossy.
• Upright interior shrub.
• Milky sap exudes from broken leaves or stems.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Spider mite susceptibility sometimes limits interiorscape use to short-term. A clear sap that flows from cut leaves or stems can be an irritant to soft tissue, causing itching and swelling. Wash your hands thoroughly when handling plants and keep your hands away from your eyes. The sap will permanently stain fabrics.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.