Codiaeum variegatum var. pictumCroton
科:大戟科
Family:Euphorbiaceae
属:变叶木属
common name:Croton
introduce:Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: Malaysia, Pacific Islands, North Australia
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Spread: 2 to 5 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Part shade (only)
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: Medium
General Culture:
With good humidity, this plant is easily grown in St. Louis as a houseplant. Use a well-drained humusy potting mixture. Plants need bright light for best leaf color, with some direct sun. May lose lower leaves in too much shade. Plants also prefers high humidity. Consider standing plant on bed of wet pebbles to increase humidity. Water regularly to keep soils moist, but not wet, during the growing season. Does not require winter dormancy, but appreciates a resting period with reduced watering from fall to late winter.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Native to Malaysia, Pacific islands and northern Australia, croton (Joseph抯 coat) is a woody-based perennial that typically grows to 6?tall. In the St. Louis area, it is grown in containers as a 2-4?tall houseplant. It is noted for its bold, often strikingly foliage. Glossy, leathery, smoothed-edged leaves are in bright colors ranging from yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze, purple and green plus combinations thereof in patterns involving blotching and striping. Leaves are oval to lanceolate (to 18?long). Foliage color is distinctive, appearing somewhat gaudy at times.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for scale, spider mites and mealybugs.
Uses:
Houseplant for bright, sunny areas.
