Growing guide
How to grow codiaeum
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is an eye-catching tropical shrub with vibrant foliage in a wide choice of colour combinations. It makes a dramatic houseplant, but needs high humidity and consistent warmth to keep it looking its best.
Quick facts
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Multi-coloured leaves in various vibrant combinations and patterns
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Position in indirect or filtered light
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Warmth and high humidity are essential
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Plants are usually between 30cm (1ft) and 90cm (3ft) tall
All you need to know
What are crotons?
Known as crotons or codiaeums (or botanically as Codiaeum variegatum), these are bold and colourful evergreen shrubs, native to tropical regions of Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. When grown as houseplants, they need consistently warm temperatures, indirect light, regular watering and high air humidity.
Several cultivars are available, offering different leaf shapes, textures and colour variegations, including white, purple, orange, yellow, red and pink. The colours often form contrasting splashes or blotches or follow the veins of the leaves. Plants range from a compact 30cm (1ft) tall, up to 90cm (3ft) or more, depending on the
Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit.
Wear gloves when handling codiaeums, as the white latex-like sap is a skin/eye irritant, and all parts of the plant are poisonous, so always keep them safely away from children and pets.
Buying crotons
It’s usually best to buy plants in person, rather than online, so you can choose the leaf shape and colouring you prefer. These flamboyant plants are available from many houseplant retailers, with larger stockists offering the widest range of cultivars.
Choose a healthy-looking plant with lots of vibrant leaves and no signs of wilting or damage. As codiaeums are tropical plants, be sure to keep them warm while bringing them home.
Buying: garden centre plants
Buying: mail order plants
Use an ericaceous (acidic) compost that is light, fast draining and loam free, such as a mix of three parts peat-free ericaceous compost to one part perlite.
Continue repotting every few years, as soon as the roots fill the container.
See our guides on repotting houseplants:
Houseplant 101: Episode Seven
How to repot a plant
Peat-free compost choices
Location
Crotons need bright but indirect light in summer to grow well. In insufficient light, the leaves may lose their vibrant colours or drop, but if exposed to full summer sun through glass, they may overheat and scorch. The plants will grow less in winter, when light levels are lower.
Temperature
As codiaeums originate in tropical regions, they need constant warmth throughout the year, around 18–35°C (65–95°F). Make sure they don’t go below 15°C (55°F). Fluctuating temperatures and cold draughts can cause the leaves to drop.
Humidity
These tropical plants like moist air, so stand the pot over a tray of damp pebbles or ceramic clay granules – the water will slowly evaporate, raising the humidity around the foliage.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally too, to remove dust and help the plant absorb sunlight efficiently.
Watering
Water once the top layer of compost has dried out, preferably using rainwater at room temperature. Too much water can lead to root rot, so hold off watering if the compost is still damp to the touch and tip any excess away afterwards, so plants aren’t left standing in water for long periods.
Avoid using hard tap water on a regular basis, as this makes the compost more alkaline, instead of maintaining the acidic conditions that codiaeums enjoy. Use collected rainwater or softened water whenever possible.
Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows down – always let the compost be your guide, only watering when the surface feels dry.
Houseplant 101: Episode Four
Houseplants: holiday care
Water: using softened and other types
When pruning codiaeums, always wear gloves and take care not to let the irritant milky sap get onto your skin or in your eyes.
Codiaeums can be tricky to keep in good condition, as they need high humidity and constant warmth. The main issues you may find are:
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Leaf drop – if your plant is losing a lot of leaves, it may be because the compost is too dry, or the air is too dry, the plant is in a cold draught or the temperature is below 15°C (55°F) for a long period
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Root rot – is caused by waterlogged compost, due to overwatering, leaving the pot standing in water, or using poorly draining compost (add perlite to improve drainage when repotting). Left unchecked, this can kill the plant
How to help a poorly houseplant
How to help a poorly houseplant
Leaf damage on houseplantsLeaf damage on houseplants
Mealybug (Glasshouse)Mealybug (Glasshouse)
Discover codiaeum
Everything you need to know about choosing the right codiaeum for you.
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