House Plant Index
CROTON
Codiaeum variegatum pictum
| Flowers |
Only occasionally in house |
| Potting or re-potting time |
December |
| Position in garden during summer |
Light shade |
| Potting Mixture |
4 |
The genus Codiaeum consists of beautiful foliage plants, only one of which is extensively cultivated. That one is the florists' croton, Codiaeum twiegatum pictum. It has numerous forms with variously cut, crisped, and curled leaves which are conspicuously spotted, banded, or blotched in greens, reds, yellows, and white. Long clusters of small, nondescript flowers are produced, but are seldom found on house specimens. Their absence is no loss, for the plant is grown entirely for its livid foliage.
Codiaeum requires a temperature of at least 70 degrees for best results. High humidity is necessary also. Set the pot containing the croton in a much larger container full of pebbles and water. Evaporation of the water will help to keep the foliage bright and colorful. Be sure that the water level is well below that of the pebbles.
Propagation is by stem cuttings made during December or January. |
