Croton, all the colors of autumn
Codiaeum variegatum
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 12a (10°C ≤ T° < 12.8°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus
- Croton Codiaeum
- Species
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum
Other names:Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum, Codiaeum variegatum, Croton pictus Croton variegatus
Autumn lovers, do you wish the season of colorful foliage would never end? There's no need to travel to the other side of the world when winter and spring are just around the corner. Instead, grow a croton (Latin: Codiaeum variegatum). This shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family comes to us from Malaysia. And its evergreen foliage alone brings together all the colors of late fall.
How can you recognize the croton, Codiaeum variegatum?
Codiaeum variegatum is a shrub with an upright and spreading habit. In the wild, the croton reaches three meters in height. When grown in a pot, it does not exceed 1.5 meters as an adult.
The woody, light-brown stem may be single or branched. It bears alternate leaves. The leaf blades measure up to 30 centimeters. Leathery and glossy, they have prominent, contrasting veins. The color and shape of the foliage vary depending on the hybrid. The leaves are elliptical, oval, ribbon-shaped, or lobed, as in croton Norma. Different varieties feature cream, pink, purple, yellow, or green foliage. Some cultivars even display multiple hues at once! Although often solid in color, the leaf blades can sometimes be variegated, marbled, or spotted, as seen croton Gold Dust.
The woody, light-brown stem may be single or branched. It bears alternate leaves. The leaf blades measure up to 30 centimeters. Leathery and glossy, they have prominent, contrasting veins. The color and shape of the foliage vary depending on the hybrid. The leaves are elliptical, oval, ribbon-shaped, or lobed, as in croton Norma. Different varieties feature cream, pink, purple, yellow, or green foliage. Some cultivars even display multiple hues at once! Although often solid in color, the leaf blades can sometimes be variegated, marbled, or spotted, as seen croton Gold Dust.
The plant blooms in winter, producing clusters of yellow flowers. With their numerous stamens, they resemble stars or pom-poms.
Once flowering is complete, the flowers turn into round black berries. These berries contain the seeds that allow the croton to reproduce.
Codiaeum variegatum is a toxic plant. Its sap contains a white latex that is highly irritating. It causes burns in the mouth if ingested and eczema if touched. Be sure to wear gloves when pruning your croton. Also, keep your plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Our care tips
Once you've installed your Croton, don't move it again. The plant hates change. Give it a bright spot, but don't stick it up against the glass. In winter, the temperature difference between day and night could kill the plant.
Watering
Codiaeum variegatum can withstand neither drought nor excess water.
Before watering, check the condition of the potting soil. The surface must be at least one centimeter dry.
Before watering, check the condition of the potting soil. The surface must be at least one centimeter dry.
Misting
Codiaeum variegatum like humidity. Mist your plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Avoid spraying tap water. It leaves white marks on the foliage.
As well as improving hygrometry, spraying helps to prevent pest infestations.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Codiaeum variegatum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pierced pot two or three times the size of the previous one. Line the bottom with clay balls or gravel to promote drainage.
Then pour in a layer of potting soil for green plants. Plant your Croton in the center of the pot and add substrate.
Press down to remove air bubbles and water with room-temperature water to accelerate rooting.
The plant is toxic. Remember to wear gloves and wash your hands after repotting.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Give your Croton a green plant fertilizer to support its growth.
Follow the instructions on the product! If you overdose, you could damage its foliage.
Cleaning
Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Croton growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.
Remember that codiaeum variegatum are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.
Remember that codiaeum variegatum are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.
Prune
Codiaeum variegatum are toxic. Wear gloves when handling them.
If you want to control the shape of your Croton, prune branches that have grown too large using clean, sharp pruning shears.
Has your plant lost a lot of leaves? Cut the bare stems back to the base. Always cut above a node to facilitate healing.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Remove a lateral stem of about fifteen centimeters with clean, sharp pruning shears. The plant is toxic. Wear gloves during the operation and wash your hands afterwards.
Remove the leaves at the bottom and keep only one or two pairs at the top. You can dip the tip in cutting hormone to increase your chances of success.
Plant your graft in a pierced pot filled with potting soil for seedlings and cuttings. Bury the stem, but not the leaves.
Stem cuttings are done in a smothered state. Cover the pot with a translucent plastic bag or place it in a mini greenhouse. Place in semi-shade, in a room with a temperature of at least 24 degrees.
Aerate for a few minutes each day, and spray the substrate if it dries out.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Tags
- Cold-sensitiveThirstyToxic
- Origins
- Southeast AsiaOceania
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 12a (10°C ≤ T° < 12.8°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenRedRoseYellowCreamPurple
- Flower color
- Yellow
- Fruit color
- Black
Discover plants from the same family
Gold Dust Croton
Codiaeum variegatum 'Gold Dust'
Croton Petra
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra'
Croton Norma
Codiaeum variegatum 'Norma'
Christmas star
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
