Codiaeum Variegatum ‘Croton’ Plant Care Tips

Croton – Codiaeum Variegatum Lighting & Position

As a general rule, the colourfully variegated leaves of your Croton call for a bright light position indoors – especially if you want to keep the colours bright and defined. Some direct sun for a few hours a day is fine, but make sure you acclimate your new plant to brighter light gradually to prevent shock burn.

Croton – Codiaeum Variegatum Watering

It’s important to keep up a regular watering routine. In summer you want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To monitor this, you can use your finger to poke into the top 5 cm of potting mix and feel the soil moisture level before watering. If it feels particularly wet, let it dry out for longer. Over watering can lead to fungal issues or root rot. Try watering once or twice a week, but always testing the soil first to see if watering is necessary. During winter, when the plant isn’t in an active growing phase you should reduce watering frequency and use tepid/room temperature water. 

As with all plants, drainage is essential. Ensure that whatever vessel your plant is in, there are sufficient holes in the bottom to allow excess water to freely drain from the pot and away from the plant’s roots. 

Croton – Codiaeum Variegatum Humidity

Crotons do best with a moderate level of ambient humidity. Keep them clear of heaters or aircon units in the house – this dries out the air and can quickly damage their leaves. Some tips for increasing humidity include grouping plants together, placing pots on a pebble tray or – if you want to go all out – buy a small humidifier online and place it in amongst your rainforest friends! 

N.b. misting with a spray bottle will only improve humidity temporarily, and if done excessively can lead to fungal issues. Misting should only be done occasionally and is most effective as part of your leaf cleaning routine (mist and then gently wipe leaves with a cloth to clear away dust from the leaf surface)

Croton – Codiaeum Variegatum Fertiliser

Feed with liquid fertiliser fortnightly over the warm, growing period and not at all over the cooler winter months.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Croton – Codiaeum Variegatum Extra Tips

Once a month you can wipe down the plants leaves using a damp cloth to clean away any dust that has collected and may be preventing the leaves from breathing. It’s completely normal for older leaves, lower down on the stem of the plant, to fade in colour and brown off as they age. Prune off any damaged or dying leaves using a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs so that the plant can put more energy into the newer, healthier growth.

Croton – Codiaeum Variegatum Toxicity

Yes, the croton house plant is toxic for plants and people, but only if it’s digested. … However, the plant tastes terrible, and accidental poisonings are rare. If any part of the croton is ingested, it would cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, and in large doses could be fatal

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