Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common Name: Croton

Native to Malaysia and Polynesia, crotons are grown for their decorative foliage. They do well outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as indoors and in glasshouses in cooler areas. Their glossy, leathery leaves are immensely variable in shape, and mostly highly coloured and variegated and are good subjects for pot plants. Their flowers are quite insignificant.

Species

C. variegatum var. pictum, the only species cultivated, has produced many cultivars in a myriad of colours and patterns. The leaves may have combinations of red, yellow, bronze and green, and they come in different shapes and sizes, some being narrow, others broad and lobed. It is not always easy to buy named cultivars. Usually plants are bought as unnamed pot plants from garden centers and florists.

Cultivation

lln North America, except perhaps for the extreme south, codiaeums are grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory, or used as house plants. Grow in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide bright light (but shade from direct sun) and high atmospheric humidity. If plants become too tall they can be cut hack and will re-shoot from the older stems. Propagation is from summer cuttings or air-layering. All pruning or propagation wounds should be dusted with powdered charcoal to stop them oozing sap.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.