How to Grow and Care for Croton Plant (Codiaeum variegatum) Indoors
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Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) require bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, above average humidity and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Codiaeum variegatum also called Joseph's Coat are some of the popular large-leafed bold statement plants on account of their vivid foliage colors and varied leaf shapes.
The large stiff leaves are borne on an upright stem where the usual pattern is large and lobed foliage on which are distinctly colored veins.
Joseph's Coat may not be easy to grow under room conditions due to their requirement for high humidity and bright light but if they are cared for appropriately, they make resilient and beautiful plants ideal for home decor. They are among the best plants for a sunny balcony.
Botanical name: Codiaeum variegatum
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common name: Croton Plant, Joseph's Coat
Origin
Codiaeum variegatum are native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Western Pacific Ocean islands where they grow in open forests and scrub.
Size
Croton Plants are tropical, evergreen shrubs which can grow to a height of about 9 feet and bear large, thick, leathery and shiny leaves.
Toxicity
As with many plants of the Euphorbiaceae family, Crotons (Codiaeum) produce a sap that can cause skin irritation and eczema in sensitive skin. The bark, roots, latex and leaves are poisonous. The sap contains the toxic chemical compound 5-deoxyingenol. Consumption of the plant's seed can be fatal to humans.
Varieties
The basic variety is Codiaeum variegatum and over the years different named types have appeared. Most varieties of Croton Plants have Laurel-like foliage, but there are also forked leaves, long ribbons, lobed leaves, twisted and curled types. Identification is not easy.
Popular varieties of Croton Plant include Norma with green leaves with red veins and splashes of yellow, Bravo with green leaves splashed with yellow, Reidii with green leaves splashed with red, aucubifolium among many others.
The lobed Croton varieties include Craigii and Holuffiana. Other common varieties are Gold finger, Gold star, Gold Moon, Mrs Iceton, Excellent among many others.
Where to Buy
Would you like to add Crotons to your plant collection? You may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Codiaeum variegatum Care Indoors
Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) flourish in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct morning or late evening sunlight, average warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.
Codiaeum variegatum does not like too frequent repotting as it does well when pot-bound. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it neat and tidy as well as promote compact and bushy growth. Keep reading for more on the growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Croton Plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times.
Cut down on watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can result in the yellowing of leaves followed by leaf drop. Learn more on how to water houseplants the right way.
Light Requirements
Croton Plants grow best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct morning or late evening sunlight to enhance the leaf colors. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to avoid loss of leaf color.
Crotons can grow outdoors too. Avoid moving the plant to a new location before acclimating it as it can cause it to drop all its leaves. Move it gradually to a brighter spot every day over a period of 2 weeks.
Codiaeum variegatum may also be grown under grow lights where the natural light is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent lopsided growth.
On account of their requirement for bright light with some sunshine, Crotons are considered to be amongst the best sun-loving plants for a sunny location.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 18-270C is ideal for Croton Plant. Keep it away drafts and don't expose them to low temperatures as the leaves may get brown edges or drop and the plant may die.
Croton Plant requires a humidity of 60-70% inorder to thrive. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a bathroom, laundry area and other moist areas in the home.
You may also grow Joseph's Coat in a terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained inside a terrarium. Learn more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestation.
Fertilizer
Feed Croton Plant every 2 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for a lush growth. Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Croton Plant should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant. You may make your selection from these 16 potting mixes for indoor plants.
Repotting
Repot Croton Plant during the growing period only if the plants are overcrowded as they grow best when pot-bound. Carefully cut through the roots with a knife and pot the sections separately.
Use a pot one-size larger and free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Replenish the top 2-3 inches of soil with fresh soil every few 2-3 years for the large plants. To control the plant keep it in the same pot, so that the roots are confined.
Pruning
Pruning of Croton Plant involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy as well as minimize pest and disease infestations.
Joseph's Coat can become too large or leggy with age. Cutback the branches to the desired height to encourage fresh and vigorous growth for a more compact plant.
The best time to cutback is at the beginning of the growing season. Do not cut back the plant by more than one third. The foliage emanating from the cutting-back, may be used to propagate new plants.
Propagation
Croton Plant (Codiaeum variegatum) can be propagated during the growing season from stem cuttings or by air layering.
How to propagate Croton Plant from stem cuttings
Take non-woody stem cuttings of about 4 inches long from a healthy Croton Plant. Strip off the lower lower leaves and retain 2-3 leaves on top. Allow the sap to dry (callus) to avoid rotting.
Once calloused, dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone and insert it in moist rooting soil.
To hasten rooting of the cutting, create a mini greenhouse by covering the set up with a clear polythene bag or sheet.
Mkae sure that the leaves do not touch the bag or sheet too much by propping it with sticks.
Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until there is new growth which indicates the cutting has rooted.
Remove the plastic bag (cover) when at least 2 new leaves have developed on the Cutting.
In 4-6 months, there should be adequate root development and routine Codiaeum variegatum care can begin.
How to Propagate of Croton Plant by air layering
This consists of notching the stem of a healthy Croton Plant and then coating the notch with a rooting hormone.
Surround the notched area with damp moss and then cover it with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap to help it stay in place and maintain it moist.
Keep the moss moist through out until there is adequate root growth.
After the roots have formed, sever the stem just below the covered part and carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist soil.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.
Maintain the soil moist through out until new growth has been observed and the new Codiaeum variegatum has grown at least 2 sets of new leaves.
Codiaeum variegatum Common Problems with Fixes
Croton Plant (Codiaeum variegatum) growing problems include leaf drop, loss of leaf color, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
Common pests in Croton Plant are mealy bugs and spider mites. Keep the plant properly pruned at all times to reduce the hiding places for these pests. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it appropriately for the pests. Learn how to identify and treat pests in houseplants.
Loss of leaf color
Loss of leaf color in Croton Plant is caused by too little light. Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with some direct sunshine.
Bright light with some direct morning or evening sunlight enhances the beautiful leaf color. You may also grow the plant under a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Loss of lower leaves
Loss of lower leaves in a Croton Plant is due to three possible causes. One possible cause is dry air if the leaves have dry tips. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to elevate humidity. You may also grow the plant in a terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained inside a terrarium.
The second possible cause of loss of lower leaves in Joseph's Coat is that the soil is too dry especially if the leaves have brown tips. Water the plant liberally during the growing season to maintain the soil moist at all times. Water less during the cold season but never allow the soil-ball to dry out completely.
The third possible cause of loss of lower leaves in Croton Plant is that the temperature is too low if leaves have brown edges. Keep the plant away from cold drafts like windy windows and doors inorder to maintain a constantly warm temperature.
Yellowing leaves
Yellowing leaves in Croton Plant are due to soggy soil. Check the condition of the of the soil. If the soil is soggy, repot the plant in fresh, free-draining soil and ensure the pot has a drainage hole.
Sudden leaf drop
Sudden leaf drop in Croton Plant is caused by sudden changes in the growing conditions. Gradually acclimatize the plant to new growing conditions and do not move it suddenly to new growing conditions.
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