Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)

Botanical name

Codiaeum variegatum

Other names

Croton, Joseph's coat, South Sea laurel, Fire croton , Garden croton , Variegated croton, Croton variegatum

Genus

Codiaeum Codiaeum

Species

C. variegatum - C. variegatum is a tender, upright, evergreen shrub with thick, leathery, ovate to linear, sometimes lobed leaves, usually green or yellow when young and turning shades of red or orange when mature. Racemes of tiny, white flowers may bloom in summer.

Native to

Australia, India, Malaysia, Melanesia, Pacific Islands

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Upright

Toxicity

Sap may cause skin irritation

Colour

Foliage

Red, Orange, Dark-green, Yellow in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 9. Cut back leggy plants to 10cm and apply powdered charcoal to the cut ends.

Propagation

Propagate by air layering

Propagation methods

Layering, Softwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Under glass or indoors, grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Maintain high humidity. In growth, water freely, mist regularly, and feed every 2-3 weeks. Avoid draughts and fluctuating temperatures. In frost-free, humid areas, grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 12, Zone 11

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)

Common pest name

Croton whitefly

Scientific pest name

Orchamoplatus mammaeferus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Whitefly with no economic implications for UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/