2 named cultivars

shrub

Croton

The Story

Plant Bio

Codiaeum variegatum, the garden croton, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from Malaysia, the Pacific islands and northern Australia, reaching two to eight feet. It is grown entirely for its leathery leaves, which come in an extraordinary range of shapes and are splashed and veined in green, yellow, orange, red and near-black, often several colours on one plant.

Leaf colour depends on light: in a dim corner a croton reverts to plain green and never recovers its markings, so the brightest position you have is the whole trick. The milky sap blisters skin and is toxic if chewed, so wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from pets. Sudden leaf drop is almost always a draught or a temperature swing.

Uses & Benefits:

Leathery leaves in an exceptional range of shapes and colours, brighter than most flowers.

A long-lived structural houseplant, and a colourful evergreen hedge in frost-free climates.

Grown almost entirely as an indoor and container plant, so its garden value is limited to the tropics.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Malaysia, the Pacific islands and northern Australia

Toxicity

Sap blisters skin; toxic if chewed

Planting

How to Grow

Give it the brightest light you have, with some direct sun.
Keep it above 60F and away from cold draughts.
Water when the top inch of compost dries.
Raise humidity by grouping plants or using a pebble tray.
Wear gloves when pruning; the sap irritates skin.
Move it gradually rather than suddenly between positions.

Pro Tip

Dropped leaves after a move are shock, not disease — keep conditions steady and it releafs rather than needing anything done to it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it the brightest spot available ☀️
Keep temperatures steady above 60F 🌡️
Raise humidity around the plant 💦
Wear gloves when cutting it 🧤

Don't

Keep it in a dim corner ❌
Stand it in a draught or by a cold door ❌
Let pets or children chew the leaves ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Feed
Repot

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright-light houseplant for colourContainer plant on a summer patioOutdoor shrub and hedging in frost-free regions

Companion Plants

DracaenaTi Plant Peace Lily Bromeliad Rubber Plant

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Croton questions

What zones can Croton grow in?

Croton is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Croton deer resistant?

Yes — Croton is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Croton bloom?

Croton typically blooms in rarely flowers indoors through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Croton need full sun?

Croton does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.