How to care for: Croton (Codiaeum)

The Croton Codiaeum, is native to Indonesia and India. Despite the fact that its name sounds like something you’ll hear in a space movie, the Croton plant is an incredibly varied houseplant, mesmerizing everyone with its thick, leathery leaves that have a shiny surface and that grow in a wide variety of colors ranging from red, yellow, green, orange, cream, pink and black to a combination of all these.

BUY CROTON

Medium light

Water once a week

Toxic

Non Air-purifying

How do you take care of a Croton?

Location

The Alocasia likes to be placed in a spot with lots of light. Not all species tolerate bright light well. It is best to place the plant in medium bright light. The Alocasia prefers a spot next to a window on the west or east. A spot near the south is of course also possible. Make sure that the plant is at least 2 metres away from the window. A spot near the north probably has too little light.

If an Alocasia gets too little sunlight, the plant will grow long stems. With its long stems the plant hopes to reach the sunlight. This can be crucial for the plant. Because of the long stems the leaves can become too heavy and break off.

Therefore, don’t forget to turn the Alocasia! The plant grows towards the sun. If you do not rotate the plant will only get full on one side and that is what you want to prevent.

Watering

It is important to always keep the soil of the Croton slightly moist. You can check this to put your little finger in the soil. Never let the Croton dry out. Not even in winter! It is best to water the Croton once a week all year round. In the winter it may be a smaller amount.

If the leaves are wilting, it is a sign of overwatering
When lower leaves are falling off or drying out, it is a sign of under-watering

Keep the soil moist, but water only when the top of the soil is dry when touched.

Plant nutrition

The Croton can use some extra nutrients from spring to the end of summer. You can provide these nutrients by plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once every six weeks. After autumn and in winter it is better not to give extra nutrients. In the autumn, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Croton!

Repotting

Repotting the Croton isn't necessary every year. We recommend repotting the plant every 2 years. This gives the plant enough new nutrients and more room for root growth. The airier soil is also very good for the water flowing through. The best period to repot is spring.

Air-purifying

Croton is one of those generous houseplants that purify the surrounding air like a champ! Its wildly variegated leaves absorb the toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Is the Croton toxic?

Croton plants are toxic to both humans and animals. It emits a milky sap from broken stems that can lead to contact dermatitis in humans. Swallowing of the sap may cause ingestion distress with chances of mouth irritation in dogs, cats, and children.

Diseases and peculiarities

If the air is too dry, the Croton can suffer from mealy bugs. To prevent mealy bugs, it is best to use the plant sprayer once a week. Mealy bugs are an infection on plants. You can recognise the infection by infected leaves and a kind of cobwebs. If you have come across mealy bugs, it is best to place the plant outside. Wind and moisture from outside will quickly keep the mealy bugs away.