PlantFiles: Croton
Codiaeum variegatum

hi I'm new to the site and I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask questions. I joined because I am a new home owner and inheritant of house plants. I am having trouble with my croton. it seemed fine, a little leggy, but fine. I love the plant and it came from a funeral so, it is special to my husband and I. over night one of its two branches lost the rest of its leaves and the other which was very perky just drooped! I did just repot it due to learning its pot was way to big. it lives in a brigt draft free room with moist soil. what might I be doing wrong?

Nice root system, so keep soil moist and don't forget to mist!

We grow ours indoors because of extremes in summer/winter. A year ago, the new leaves grew long, thin, and very twisted (corkscrew-like). This year the newer set of leaves are oval and kind of flat. Leaves deepen in red color as the leaves age. Thinking about growing it outdoors...anyone in CA Zone 9 been able to do this with success?

I have this as an indoor plant in Rochester, NY. I keep it in the light of the window, and water fairly frequently. It has been doing wonderfully! I love its colors!

I have this plant indoors, and just bought it, does it need to stay indoors for my zone? (6b), most seem to have theirs outdoors.

Varieties of differing growth habit crotons grouped together under a tree helps them flourish in New Delhi (zone 10a). It seems that the micro-climate of a tree (in my garden a neem tree—uploading image), and wind protecting each other the crotons add a lot of colour throughout the year.

Previously, where these were in open/exposed conditions or even against a south wall, during winters they tended to die down or become leggy.

These grow all over the place here in 9b. There are a huge variety of types that vary in leaf shape and color. Varigated colors range from deep burgundy up through pinks and yellows through almost white. They add nice foliage color to a tropical setting. They're susceptible to scale. Easy to propogate by simply putting a cut branch into potting soil and keeping it moist. I propogate them all the time.

My son loves crotons and is accumulating a collection of different varieties. When a plant gets too large, we cut limbs off, use in flower arragements in the house (lots of lovely colors!) let them root in the water and replant somewhere else where fillers or color is needed......

These are true no to extremely low maintenance plants for me. I know once I put one in my yard I never have to worry about it kicking the bucket. I've got 2 in my yard that I help my grandparents plant about 17 years ago and they look still look excellent all the time. They've held up through frost, drought, heavily excessive amounts of rain, weeks of standing water. Nice for tropical effect and some nice for brilliant color.

Thanks to all of you who shared your pix of these plants. I have several lovely crotons but none as grand as some of these pix.
All the gardens in my yard are container gardens, due to back problems, & for the same reason most of my potted plants must weather the winter outside. Surprisingly enough the crotons have survived some pretty harsh winters (for area 9b) so I guess I've been fortunate. They die back but have come back beautifully.
The oaks here must provide not only acid soil from the falling leaves but a little protection from the cold.
My crotons are mixed in with various ferns, bromeliads, impatiens, palms, ivy, coleus & a myriad of other plants with like needs. I do very little for them except mist them a.m. & p.m. They get about 50/50 sun/shade.
Due to their brilliant colors, are perfect for gardens with no flowers.

Likes to be misted. Can get spider mites very easily. Spider mites don't care for a moist enviornment, so when ever you have the chance squirt it!!!!!!!!!!