Codiaeum variegatum aka Variegated Croton

Taxonomy

Codiaeum variegatum (fire croton, garden croton, or variegated croton; syn. Croton variegatum L.) is a species of houseplant in the genus Codiaeum, which is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. It was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and the western Pacific Ocean islands, growing in open forests and scrub. Garden Croton is the only plant of the Codiaeum genus that is popular with flower growers and can grow to over 10ft/3m tall. It usually grows to 23-29 inches (60-75 centimeters) in indoor conditions, and has large glossy leaves (8-12 inches/20-30 centimeters) with bright multicolored veins. All parts of this plant are toxic, so please keep them well out of reach of pets and children.

Common names

Variegated Croton, Croton

How to care for Variegated Croton

Difficulty

Caring for Variegated Croton can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.

Water

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

Soil

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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Variegated Croton prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia