Croton Petra

Class

Eudicotidae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Order

Malpighiales

Genus

Codiaeum

Species

variegatum

Description

Crotons are evergreen plants of tropical origin, widely used in indoor ornamentals where they confer high decorative value with their large leathery leaves with obvious markings or stripes and different colour shades depending on the cultivar, from red, pink and orange to yellow and green. They require a warm and humid climate as well as a bright location but sheltered from direct sunlight during the hottest hours.

Curiosities and special features

Croton belongs to the botanical family Euphorbiaceae, the same as the poinsettia(Euphorbia pulcherrima).

Origin and distribution

Native species of the range extending from Malaysia to the south-western Pacific where it grows in the humid tropical biome reaching shrub or tree habitus.

Leaf

It is the leaves, which are evergreen and have an oblong lamina, that give Croton a high ornamental value.

Leaf colour

The leaf is variegated and shaded.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.7 m, ideal as an indoor pot plant.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Suitable as a pot plant, indoor planter, depending on climatic requirements.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, semi-woody; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of 70 to 90 days. It has sweet notes and is lightly perfumed, with a fruity aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A plant with medium to vigorous growth under the right environmental conditions.

Plant habit

It develops an upright habitus visually reinforced by the large, colourful leaves.

Branching

The branching is medium, giving a suitable density of foliage.

PH

It requires a pH of the cultivation substrate between 6.0 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of exposure: indoors in the cold season, light source indoors, full sun.

Requires maximum light but sheltered from direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the summer season as too much light causes complete pigmentation of the leaves and, consequently, leaf necrosis. It is also advisable not to expose it to cold draughts which can lead to rapid defoliation.

Ideal climate and temperature

It is a species that requires a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 19 and 35 °C. The vital temperature is between 12 and 45 °C. Avoid exposing it to cold draughts as well as in the vicinity of radiators.

Use

Due to the uniqueness of its foliage as well as its thermal requirements, Croton is widely appreciated in:
Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Of medium to low hardiness, it requires a warm and humid climate.

Soil

Use a high-quality substrate specifically for green pot plants.

Difficulty

It is a moderately difficult plant to grow, pay particular attention to temperatures and apply proper irrigation management.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines to achieve the best vegetative development of your Croton specimen:
Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate

Propagation

Vegetative reproduction is mainly by apical cuttings.

Watering

Croton requires careful watering management as it fears water excesses with water on the saucer as well as water surges with dry spells. Apply non-cold water directly to the substrate keeping it moist but not saturated i.e. avoid water stagnation. During the hottest season, if the humidity is low, spray the leaves regularly with salt-poor water, preferably rainwater, while during the other seasons reduce the interventions making sure that the leaves are dry before the evening to avoid the spread of phytopathologies.

With low temperatures keep the substrate slightly dry.

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, apply a specific fertiliser for green plants to the substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the dose and frequency as Croton fears over-fertilisation, especially in connection with water stress.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Toxic

Toxicity for humans

Do not ingest. Wear gloves when handling.

Tip

Avoid letting the soil loaf dry out completely. Do not expose the plant to cold draughts, it can defoliate very quickly. Do not buy the plant in winter unless you can keep it in a warm room.