Wisconsin's Tropical Gardens

Plant Profile Series

Where can I get this plant?

CROTON - Codiaeum

Crotons come in more than 100 varieties. Color may spread over the whole leaf or appear as veining, blotches, spots, or other patterns. Leaf shapes also vary. They may be slender and up to 18 inches long, flat and up to 6 inches wide, lobed, wrinkled, ribbed or twisted into corkscrew shapes. Crotons grow fast in the right conditions.

LIGHT: Crotons like four or more hours of direct sunlight per day, but grow fairly well in bright indirect light. Leaf coloring is best in full sun.

TEMPERATURE: They like night temperatures of 65-70 degrees and 75-85 during the day. Crotons are susceptible to leaf droppage from cold drafts.

WATER: Keep soil lightly moist at all times. Feed every 2 months from early spring through mid summer. Do not feed the rest of the year.

To encourage dense growth, prune in the early spring. Propagate by stem cuttings or air layering. Watch for Spider Mite and Mealy Bug.

Depending on the season, these plants can be found in 3", 6", 8" and 10" pot sizes.

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