Bernieh's Garden
Codiaeum variegatum - Crotons
Genus: Codiaeum.
Species: Codiaeum variegatum.
Common name: Crotons
Botannical name: Codiaeum variegatum
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Crotons are classified according to the shape of their leaves, a handy way for gardeners to look at these plants.
The groups or varieties include: broad leaf; long, narrow leaf; oak, or semi oak leaf– these have a graceful appearance and are popular as pot plants. The interrupted leaf variety are rather peculiar because the central vein continues to grow beyond the leaf, and another section of the leaf forms at the end. And lastly the spiral leaf variety, which look science fictional, and are a collector's plant.
They are native to Ambon Island in Indonesia and there are literally hundreds of varieties of crotons.
Crotons have few problems. In dry weather splash the foliage with water to prevent mites causing any problems. Indoor plants might attract mealy bugs on the stems. But this is easily corrected with a spray of white oil. Rarely are they attacked by caterpillars, but if this happens remove the individual caterpillars or spray them with pyrethrum.
Crotons are easy to grow. As indoor pot plants water regularly and give a liquid feed monthly in summer. If grown outdoors give them a deep watering in dry weather, particularly in winter in northern Australia. Colouration is always brighter if grown in shade for half a day. But further south, in Tasmania, crotons need all the available sunshine.
For best results, cut back from time to time to keep bushy with plenty of vibrant foliage.