Occurring naturally in tropical parts of Asia, the croton (Codiaeum variegatum), with its beautifully-colored foilage, may grow to 10 feet tall in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. More often, it is cultivated as a decorative houseplant. Besides its lovely leaf markings, the croton has the advantages of being readily available and reasonably priced. On the downside, though, the plant tends to be temperamental and demanding.
Whether grown outside in a hedge arrangement or as a specimen patio plant or inside in a window, crotons boast leaf shapes from oval to deeply-lobed to long and narrow. Foliage may be variegated with white, purple, orange, yellow, pink, red or green. All crotons produce inconspicuous, tiny, yellow star-shaped flowers. Thriving in temperatures from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, they can die if left long in temperatures below 46 degrees F. A milky sap that oozes from cut stems and leaves should be kept away from children and pets. It possesses irritating and poisonous properties, as well as causes serious stains.
Three Major Needs
Generally, when the plant sheds leaves, its needs are not being met. Crotons have three essential requests: bright light, high humidity and year-round warmth. To maintain its signature fiery color, place it in front of a sunny south- or west-facing window where it will get abundant direct sunlight.. For indoor crotons, consider running a portable humidifier nearby. Keep your plant out of cold drafts in the winter, or defoliation may result. If a croton's leaves show brown edges, it may have been chilled or is growing in a drafty location.
Whenever a croton's routine or the conditions of its environment change, some leaves may dry up and fall off before it can adjust to the new situation. If you do not live in the tropics or have a greenhouse, it is a challenge to keep a croton healthy and attractive. A dip in temperature, even a temporary one from being near an outside door that is frequently opened and closed, can stress the plant, leading to leaf drop. Being too close to heater vents can cause the same reaction. Water thoroughly when the croton's soil feels dry to the touch; it tolerates neither extreme wetness nor dryness. If stressing conditions in the atmosphere are not apparent, check plants for mites, croton foes whose sucking can cause leaves to turn brown and dry up. Hold a piece of white paper under affected leaves and tap. If any pepperlike pests drop onto the paper, spray the plant with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem or sulfur.
Determining If Salvageable
If your croton has lost all its leaves, scratch the bark on the main stem with your nail. Green tissue under the scratch indicates that the plant is still alive and may recover. The recovery period can amount to several months. Do not try to speed this up by overwatering or fertilizing. Usually new leaves will form in three to four weeks. Begin light fertilizing once new growth starts to appear, but not before. New foliage emerges green and develops color as it matures.
- Floridata: Codiaeum Variegatum
- University of Florida Extension: Croton
- North Dakota State University Extension: Questions on Croton
- National Gardening Association, Questions and Answers: Croton Losing Leaves
- The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Editor
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images