Codiaeum variegatum aka Variegated Croton

In the wild Codiaeum variegatum can reach about 3 m (9.8 ft) tall, but cultivated garden crotons are usually much smaller — rarely over 1.8 m (5.9 ft) outdoors, and NC State Extension lists a typical landscape size of 2–8 ft tall by 2–6 ft wide. As a potted houseplant it is often kept smaller still, commonly under 1.2 m.

Croton only survives outdoors year-round where winter temperatures stay above about 10–13°C (50–55°F); colder temperatures cause leaf loss. NC State Extension recommends bringing potted plants indoors once temperatures reach 50°F (10°C), or growing it as a tender annual outdoors in summer only. It does not require a true winter dormancy but appreciates reduced watering from fall through late winter.

Croton flowers are borne on long axillary racemes (8–30 cm), with male and female flowers separated: male flowers are white with five small petals and 20–30 stamens, while female flowers are yellowish and lack petals entirely. Blooming typically occurs in early autumn, but the flowers are considered horticulturally insignificant next to the plant's foliage. The fruit that follows is a small three-seeded capsule, and it is inedible and toxic.

Over 300 cultivars of croton have been bred for foliage color and shape. Popular ones include 'Petra' (the most common, dark green with yellow/pink/orange-red veining), 'Spirale' (spirally twisted red and green leaves), 'Andreanum' (broad oval yellow leaves with gold veins and margins), 'Majesticum' (long pendulous yellow-and-red leaves), 'Aureo-maculatum' (yellow-spotted leaves), 'Gold Dust', 'Eleanor Roosevelt', 'Evening Embers' (blue-black metallic foliage), and 'Franklin Roosevelt'.

Croton is native to Malesia, Papuasia, Queensland, and parts of the Pacific (Fiji, Vanuatu, the Santa Cruz Islands), and is naturally an understory rainforest shrub. It can only be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 11–12, where winter temperatures stay above roughly 10–13°C (50–55°F); elsewhere it's grown as a container plant brought indoors for winter, or planted outdoors only as a warm-season tender annual.

Croton is propagated from seed or from stem cuttings.

Croton can lose its lower leaves when grown in too much shade, and cold temperatures (below roughly 10–13°C/50–55°F) also cause leaf loss.

The most common pest problems on croton are twospotted spider mites and banded greenhouse thrips; spider mite susceptibility can limit its use as a long-term interior plantscape specimen.

Codiaeum variegatum is monoecious, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant — white, stamen-rich male flowers and petal-less yellowish female flowers, both on axillary racemes.

No part of the croton is edible — sources report "no known" edible uses, and the fruit is described as inedible and toxic to most mammals.

In traditional Philippine medicine, croton leaves have been used as an abortifacient, antiamoebic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, emmenagogue, purgative, and sedative. A decoction of crushed leaves has been used to treat diarrhea, and chewed leaves/leaf juice have been used in other traditional remedies.

Aside from its ornamental value, no other significant uses of croton are documented.

Variegated Croton presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Variegated Croton’s native range is Southeast Asia, Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Variegated Croton should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Variegated Croton loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Variegated Croton thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Garden Croton.

No additional humidity is required for the Variegated Croton. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Repotting the Variegated Croton is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Variegated Croton is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

During the wintertime, it's common for Variegated Croton to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.