The Dirt
Native to Southeast Asia. Croton comes from the Greek word tick, since the seeds look like a tick.This plant has different leaf shapes, however, the most common shape is an almond oval like shape with a pointed tip. In the wild, they can grow to be 10ft tall, however, at home they typically do no exceed 3ft. Croton’s can be planted outdoors, if the area is humid and warm. They grow upright and can be pruned if they become too bulky.
Part Sun
This plant likes most rooms with windows facing west or east. You could place it in a spot away from a very sunny window – as light intensity goes down quick as you move away from the light source.
Medium
Water once a week. Before watering, feel the soil, top layer should be dry, if not dry wait a day or two. If the soil still is wet you risk giving the plant too much water, you don’t want it to rot.
Pet Toxic
Only when ingested it may cause mild oral and gastrointestinal upsetness. Skin irritation can also happen after exposure to the sap but it’s mostly mild.
Croton Petra
Care Tips
Remove dust once a month, with a wet sponge, to keep the leaves clean in order to help the photosynthesis process and so that it is less prone to pests
These plants have a milky sap that drips when the leaf is cut
Croton’s like humidity, so purchasing a humidifier is a good idea or mist the leaves once a week. If the leaves get too light in color they will be more green
Native to Southeast Asia
Common Names
Fire Croton
Garden Croton
Variegated Croton
Botanical Name
Codiaeum Variegatum
Family
Euphorbiaceae