Euphorbiaceae
Codiaeum variegatum
Make any room look instantly premium with a Croton—deep green leaves painted with fiery reds and sunny yellows. Ideal for bright interiors, it delivers a lush tropical vibe and strong visual impact in homes, offices, and receptions. Place it in bright light, water consistently, and enjoy long-lasting color all year.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Not available
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0037
Alternative Names:
كروتون
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Codiaeum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the western Pacific islands, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens and indoors worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Evergreen, leathery, glossy, variegated with green, yellow, red, orange, and purple hues; ovate to lanceolate with entire or undulate margins.
Stems: Woody, branching; exudes a milky latex sap when cut.
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub.
Flowers: Insignificant yellow-white flowers in terminal clusters; rarely ornamental.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height: 60–120 cm (2–4 ft); spread: 60–100 cm (2–3 ft).
Outdoor height (tropical climates): up to 3 m (10 ft).
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct morning or late afternoon sun.
Low light results in poor leaf coloration and leggy growth.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil is dry.
Reduce frequency in cooler months without allowing soil to dry out completely.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand.
Optimal pH: 6.0–7.0.
Repot every 2 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: Ideal 18–29 °C (65–85 °F); minimum 12–15 °C (55–59 °F).
Humidity: Prefers high humidity (>50%); benefits from regular misting or a humidity tray.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Reduce feeding in autumn and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate to high care level.
Prune to maintain shape and remove leggy growth.
Clean leaves occasionally to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by semi-hardwood stem cuttings (~10–15 cm) in water or moist potting mix under warm, humid conditions.
Air-layering can be used for larger specimens.
13. Common Problems
Leaf drop from low light, overwatering, or temperature stress.
Brown leaf margins due to low humidity, underwatering, or salt buildup.
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects.
Root rot if overwatered or in poorly drained soil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Provides striking decorative foliage and vibrant color accents in interiors and landscapes.
May improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins.
Used ornamentally in mixed containers and tropical garden designs.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain irritant latex and are toxic if ingested by humans and pets; can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
Use gloves when handling and keep out of reach of children and animals.
Codiaeum variegatum
Make any room look instantly premium with a Croton—deep green leaves painted with fiery reds and sunny yellows. Ideal for bright interiors, it delivers a lush tropical vibe and strong visual impact in homes, offices, and receptions. Place it in bright light, water consistently, and enjoy long-lasting color all year.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Not available
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0037
Alternative Names:
كروتون
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Codiaeum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the western Pacific islands, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens and indoors worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Evergreen, leathery, glossy, variegated with green, yellow, red, orange, and purple hues; ovate to lanceolate with entire or undulate margins.
Stems: Woody, branching; exudes a milky latex sap when cut.
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub.
Flowers: Insignificant yellow-white flowers in terminal clusters; rarely ornamental.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height: 60–120 cm (2–4 ft); spread: 60–100 cm (2–3 ft).
Outdoor height (tropical climates): up to 3 m (10 ft).
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct morning or late afternoon sun.
Low light results in poor leaf coloration and leggy growth.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil is dry.
Reduce frequency in cooler months without allowing soil to dry out completely.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand.
Optimal pH: 6.0–7.0.
Repot every 2 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: Ideal 18–29 °C (65–85 °F); minimum 12–15 °C (55–59 °F).
Humidity: Prefers high humidity (>50%); benefits from regular misting or a humidity tray.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Reduce feeding in autumn and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate to high care level.
Prune to maintain shape and remove leggy growth.
Clean leaves occasionally to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by semi-hardwood stem cuttings (~10–15 cm) in water or moist potting mix under warm, humid conditions.
Air-layering can be used for larger specimens.
13. Common Problems
Leaf drop from low light, overwatering, or temperature stress.
Brown leaf margins due to low humidity, underwatering, or salt buildup.
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects.
Root rot if overwatered or in poorly drained soil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Provides striking decorative foliage and vibrant color accents in interiors and landscapes.
May improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins.
Used ornamentally in mixed containers and tropical garden designs.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain irritant latex and are toxic if ingested by humans and pets; can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
Use gloves when handling and keep out of reach of children and animals.