Description
Codiaeum, commonly called croton, is a genus of the spurge family. It includes 16 species of shrubs found on the Pacific islands and in South-East Asia. Some species, especially Codiaeum variegatum, are among the most popular houseplants. The trade name "croton" used for Codiaeum variegatum is unfortunate, as it is easily confused with the genus Croton, also of the spurge family, whose members are found throughout the equatorial zone.
It is a very attractive plant, widely used for interior decoration. Thanks to selection and breeding of the hardiest forms, croton has become tougher and no longer confined to greenhouses and plant windows. The mistaken belief that it is can still be encountered, though much less often, and crotons increasingly decorate our homes. The genus comes from Indonesia and Polynesia, where it grows as shrubs and trees reaching several metres. Croton was discovered in the second half of the 19th century by an English botanist.
Crotons are evergreen shrubs with very varied leaves (narrow, broader, sometimes spiralled), mostly multicoloured and glossy (almost as if varnished). In our conditions these shrubs reach 25 to 125 cm. Their great asset is their colours, which form surprising combinations of green, red, white, pink, yellow and brown. In good conditions the plant may even flower in late winter or early spring, but the flowers are inconspicuous.
Requirements
Croton needs a bright spot, but not full sun. Without enough light its leaves lose their colour. With high air humidity the plant tolerates even direct sunlight. In summer it needs 20–25°C, in winter 15–18°C. The key requirements are a fairly constant temperature and high air humidity.
Propagation
Croton is propagated from tip cuttings taken in spring and rooted at 24°C in a humid atmosphere.
Care
The best growing medium is a peat-based compost with added leaf mould, ericaceous soil and sand. From March to August water generously so that the compost stays moist – the root ball should never dry out. It needs frequent misting with warm, soft water, especially in the heating season, when the air indoors is very dry, which encourages disease and loss of the lower leaves. Feed moderately from March to August. Codiaeum is propagated from tip cuttings rooted at 25–30°C under glass or film. Repot when the roots have completely filled the pot. Make sure there is good drainage.
When plants get sick
Air that is too dry encourages pests: scale insects, thrips and spider mites; it is also susceptible to mealybugs.
Before you buy
The plant contains substances that irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Temperatures or air humidity that are too low make the leaves drop. Plants that have lost their leaves can be cut back in spring.
Average lifespan: it can live a very long time.
Difficulty of care: easy to care for.