Mainstream · upright

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum

Also found as Garden croton

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a upright companion plant. Its care profile below covers light, water, temperature, humidity, substrate, feeding, seasonal care, propagation, and household placement.

← Back to My Catalog Place Find Your Companion Plant View Scenes

Typical placement: A woody tropical foliage plant display with the stated light, temperature, water, and drainage conditions
Care: Moderate · Woody tropical foliage plant
Everyday size: An upright tabletop-to-floor specimen; height varies by species and growing conditions.
Collector class: Mainstream
Seller listings: No verified seller listed

Botanical identity

One canonical record.

Names, aliases, lineage, and care information are organized here under one companion plant record.

Genus: Codiaeum
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genetic status: Species
Propagation forms: Stem cuttings, air layering, or seed depending on the genus
Plant form: upright
Information checked: 2026-07-31

Household safety

Conservative household placement

No exact ASPCA cat-and-dog listing is used for this record, so the plant is not presented as pet-safe. Prevent chewing and ingestion.

This ornamental plant is not food. Keep it out of reach and teach children not to taste leaves, flowers, seeds, sap, or potting media.

Read the complete safety guidance

Practical care guide

How to care for Croton

Woody tropical foliage plant guidance translated into an everyday growing plan.

Moderate

Light: Bright filtered light, with gentle direct sun where acclimated
Water: Water when the upper 3–5 cm dries; saturate and drain
Temperature: Warm room temperatures with no abrupt cold drafts (15–30°C)
Humidity: Average household humidity; higher humidity improves leaf quality (35–70%)
Potting medium: Structured peat-free potting mix with bark and mineral drainage
Drainage: Free draining; use a stable container sized to the root ball
Feeding: Balanced feed monthly during active growth
Pruning and grooming: Rotate for balanced growth and prune cleanly to control size
Seasonal rhythm: Expect slower growth and reduced water use in winter
Propagation: Stem cuttings, air layering, or seed depending on the genus
Travel planning: Established plants usually tolerate seven to ten days after watering
Common watch-outs: Spider mites · Mealybugs · Scale insects · Fungus gnats when the root zone stays too wet · Root rot from poor drainage · Leaf spotting where foliage remains wet without airflow

Care sourcesRoyal Horticultural Society — Houseplants

Safety and placement

A clear household plan

Conservative precaution based on the ASPCA database's stated limitation that its list is not all-inclusive. Absence from the list is not treated as proof of safety.

Pets: No exact ASPCA cat-and-dog listing is used for this record, so the plant is not presented as pet-safe. Prevent chewing and ingestion.
Children: This ornamental plant is not food. Keep it out of reach and teach children not to taste leaves, flowers, seeds, sap, or potting media.
Handling: Use normal gardening hygiene and wash hands after pruning or repotting.
Placement: Choose a stable location beyond the reach of children and animals; collect fallen material promptly.
If exposure happens: If a person chews the plant, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For animal exposure, call a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; urgent breathing, collapse, seizure, or severe swelling requires emergency care.

Safety sourcesASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database Poison Control plant safety guide

Plant visual

The companion plant, clearly credited.

Primary identification photograph

The source photograph is retained with its original credit and license.

Photographer: (c) Greg III Espera, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0
Original: View photograph source
Botanical source: View identity source

Scenes

See Croton in three settings.

Open the image for a larger view. On a phone, swipe sideways to move through each setting.

Croton

Executive office · Refined living room · Bright conservatory

Use the centered arrows or swipe sideways to move through all three settings.

Verified availability only

No verified seller is listed today.

Vendor, price, stock, pre-order, and waiting-list information appears only after the exact listing and seller terms are confirmed.

Back to My Catalog Place