Also known as Croton · 6 saves
Codiaeum
Codiaeum, the genus most gardeners know as croton. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Codiaeum varieties
Species of Codiaeum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Codiaeum in Sow
Save the Codiaeum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Codiaeum
Whats common across all Codiaeum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Codiaeum year
- FertilizeMarch–August67% of varieties
Use balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Check for PestsJanuary, February, September, October and November67% of varieties
Monitor closely for spider mites and mealybugs when indoors
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead leaves
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during summer
- Provide very bright, indirect light for best color.
- Keep soil evenly moist.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Avoid cold drafts in winter ❌
- Do not place in direct, harsh sunlight.
What goes wrong with Codiaeum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses on stems and leaf axils. | Dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with neem oil. Use a systemic insecticide for houseplants. |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or yellowing foliage. | Increase humidity. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or spray with insecticidal soap. Use a miticide for severe infestations. |
| Spider mites | Fine pale stippling with faint webbing beneath the leaves, worst in dry heated rooms | Rinse the foliage regularly, raise humidity, and treat persistent cases with insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy stem base. | Allow soil to dry out. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil, trimming away any rotted roots. Water less frequently. |
| Anthracnose | Dark, sunken spots on leaves, often with a pinkish center. | Remove and destroy infected leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply a copper-based fungicide. |
Making more Codiaeum
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings (4-6 inches).
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep in warm, bright location.
- Roots develop in approximately 6 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
- Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting with at least 3 leaves.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Place in a pot with moist potting mix.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity; roots form in about one month.
Codiaeum questions
How many types of Codiaeum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Codiaeum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 6 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Codiaeum grow in?
Across its varieties, Codiaeum covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Codiaeum bloom?
Most Codiaeum varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer, rarely flowers indoors. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Codiaeum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.