Origin

The Croton, whose official name is Codiaeum variegatum, originally grows in southern Asia, mainly in the areas around Malaysia and Indonesia. The Croton belongs to the genus Euphorbiaceae, which also includes, for example, Euphorbia (Spurge), and therefore contains the characteristic poisonous white sap. The leaves of the Croton grow criss-cross, giving the plant a very full appearance. Not surprisingly, the plant is often used as a partition in the natural environment. Crotons can grow up to about six metres tall, although they often stay smaller as interior plants. They are evergreen and due to the high level of anthocyanins (pigments), the leaves take on all kinds of colours, from green, yellow and orange to red, pink and purple.

Care

Location

Because of the special colours in its leaves, the Croton needs quite a lot of direct sunlight each day. The best position for the wonder shrub is therefore near an east or west-facing window, or a few metres away from a south-facing window. The Croton needs at least five hours of direct sunlight a day, but it is important to build up the number of hours of sunlight per day slowly. In the greenhouses where the Croton is grown, there will have been little sunlight and the plant will therefore have to get used to it. In the beginning, then, place the plant in a place with a lot of indirect light and gradually move it closer to the window. Crotons indicate when there is too little sunlight. At that point, the leaves start drooping and the colours become less beautiful. In the winter months, it is quite normal for the plant to develop less bright colours, because the sun intensity is a lot lower than in the summer months.

Watering

The Croton likes soil that is slightly moist: not soaking wet, but not completely dried out either. It's best to water the plant in small bits at a time and make sure to feel the soil in between. That way you will get to know the plant's water requirements better and better. The plant should be watered about twice a week; adjust the amount of water accordingly. The Croton uses less water in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. In these months, therefore, a smaller amount of water should be given at a time. Crotons show when they have been given too much or too little water. If the plant has been given too much water for a long time, the leaves will fall off or develop dry edges. Too much water causes drooping leaves. To perfectly match the plant's water requirements, it may be a good idea to opt for a Croton on hydroculture. The hydro grains then slowly release water and nutrients to the plant. Plants on hydroculture need watering about once a month.

Spraying and temperature

The Croton develops its beautiful variegated leaves in a place with a lot of sun and is therefore used to a fairly warm temperature. Therefore, never let the temperature drop below 12 °C. Although Crotons can appreciate a warm temperature, they do not like the dry warm air of a radiator. So do not place the plant too close to this. If the temperature is too low, the plant will drop its leaves. To let as much light as possible fall on the leaves, spray the plant regularly. This will remove dust from the leaves.

Pruning

As the leaves of the Croton grow criss-cross, it may be desirable to prune back the shoots of the plant from time to time to keep it in nice shape. It is preferable to do this in autumn. In this season, there is relatively little direct sunlight and by removing the shoots, the light that does exist can reach the inner parts of the Croton. Do you want to prune the plant a lot shorter? Preferably do this in spring so that the plant can sprout nicely. The stem can be cut off with secateurs or sawed off when the stem is very thick. When cutting or pruning, always pay attention to the released sap. This is poisonous and can irritate the skin and eyes.

Nutrition

The plant benefits from feeding during the growing season. Use universal plant food and check the packaging for the right amounts and instructions. If in doubt about the quantity, it is better to give a little less than too much.