Garden Croton Codiaeum variegatum

Crotons are woody, broadleaf evergreen shrubs in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family reaching heights of 8 feet in their natural habitat, but more commonly 3 feet when grown indoors. They are native to Malaysia and the southwestern Pacific area. 

Crotons prefer full sun and occasionally dry soil with good drainage and low-to-medium relative humidity. Water them liberally from spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. Mist leaves regularly, daily if possible.

While the wild type has green glossy leaves, cultivated varieties, known as var. pictum, are grown for their variegated foliage. The leaves of crotons may vary in size, shape, or color. 

Where protected from frost, use crotons as foundation plants, hedges, or specimen plants. Treat them as tender annuals planted outdoors in summer or 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: 

Crotons are woody, broadleaf evergreen shrubs in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family reaching heights of 8 feet in their natural habitat, but more commonly 3 feet when grown indoors. They are native to Malaysia and the southwestern Pacific area. 

Crotons prefer full sun and occasionally dry soil with good drainage and low-to-medium relative humidity. Water them liberally from spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. Mist leaves regularly, daily if possible.

While the wild type has green glossy leaves, cultivated varieties, known as var. pictum, are grown for their variegated foliage. The leaves of crotons may vary in size, shape, or color. 

Where protected from frost, use crotons as foundation plants, hedges, or specimen plants. Treat them as tender annuals planted outdoors in summer or 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 milky white latex sap that exudes from damaged leaves or stems can be an irritant to soft tissue, causing itching and swelling. Wash your hands thoroughly when handling plants and keep hands away from the eyes.

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