1123 Species in Genus Croton

What is a croton?

For me, a croton is that beautiful but slightly finicky houseplant with the dramatic leaves. The one I have right now is sitting on my bookshelf, and the leaves are a riot of colors – deep green, sunshine yellow, and even some streaks of orange. It’s like a tiny burst of sunshine in my living room! I love how the leaves curl in on themselves at the edges, and they feel so smooth and waxy when I brush against them. It took me a while to get the watering right, though – they don’t like to be soggy, but they also don’t like to dry out completely. But now that I’ve figured it out, my croton seems happy and keeps putting out new growth.

Croton species

Croton abaitensis Baill.
Croton aberrans Müll.Arg.
Croton abonari Riina & P.E.Berry
Croton abutiloides Kunth
Croton abutilopsis G.L.Webster
Croton acapulcensis M.J.Martinez Gordillo & J.Jiménez Ram.
Croton aceroides Radcl.-Sm.
Croton ackermannianus (Müll.Arg.) G.L.Webster
Croton acradenius Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton acronychioides F.Muell.
Croton acuminatissimus (Pittier) G.L.Webster
Croton acunae Borhidi
Croton acutifolius Esser
Croton adabolavensis Leandri
Croton adamantinus Müll.Arg.
Croton adenocalyx Baill.
Croton adenodontus (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg.
Croton adenophorus Baill.
Croton adenophyllum Spreng.
Croton adipatus Kunth
Croton adspersus Benth.
Croton adumbratus Croizat
Croton aemulus Barbosa & Carn.-Torres
Croton aequatoris Croizat
Croton agoensis Baill.
Croton agrestis (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton agrophilus Müll.Arg.
Croton alabamensis E.A.Sm. ex Chapm. Plant FAQs: Croton Alabamensis
Croton alainii B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton alamosanus Rose
Croton albellus Müll.Arg.
Croton alchorneicarpus Croizat
Croton alchorneifolius Radcl.-Sm.
Croton aleuritoides P.E.Berry
Croton alienus Pax
Croton alloeophyllus Urb.
Croton almadinensis Caruzo & Riina
Croton alnifolius Lam.
Croton alpinus A.Chev. ex Gagnep.
Croton alvaradonis M.E.Jones
Croton amaraliae Riina & P.E.Berry
Croton amazonicus Müll.Arg.
Croton ambanivoulensis Baill.
Croton ambovombensis Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton ameliae Lundell
Croton amentiformis Riina
Croton amphileucus Briq.
Croton amplifolius Airy Shaw
Croton andinus Müll.Arg.
Croton androiensis (Leandri) Leandri
Croton angolensis Müll.Arg.
Croton angustifrons Müll.Arg.
Croton anisatus Baill.
Croton anisodontus Müll.Arg.
Croton ankarensis Leandri
Croton ankeranae Kainul.
Croton anomalus Pittier
Croton anosiravensis Leandri
Croton antae Airy Shaw
Croton antanosiensis Leandri
Croton antisyphiliticus Mart.
Croton apicifolius Croizat
Croton apostolon Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton appertii J.Léonard
Croton araracuarae J.Murillo, P.E.Berry & M.V.Arbeláez
Croton araripensis Croizat
Croton arboreus Millsp.
Croton arechavaletae Herter
Croton arenosus Carn.-Torres & Cordeiro
Croton argentealbidus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton argenteus L.
Croton argentinus Müll.Arg.
Croton argyranthemus Michx.
Croton argyratus Blume
Croton argyrodaphne Baill.
Croton argyrophyllus Kunth
Croton aridus P.I.Forst.
Croton aripoensis Philcox
Croton arirambae Huber
Croton aristophlebius Croizat
Croton arlineae D.Medeiros, L.Senna & R.J.V.Alves
Croton armstrongii S.Moore
Croton arnhemicus Müll.Arg.
Croton aromaticus L.
Croton artibonitensis Urb.
Croton ascendens Secco & N.A.Rosa
Croton asperrimus Benth.
Croton astianus Croizat
Croton astroites Aiton
Croton astrophorus Urb.
Croton ater Croizat
Croton atrorufus Müll.Arg.
Croton atrostellatus V.W.Steinm.
Croton aubrevilecta Leandri
Croton aubrevillei J.Léonard
Croton avulsus Croizat
Croton axillaris Müll.Arg.
Croton azuensis Urb.
Croton babuyanensis Croizat
Croton bacupariensis Valduga & Iganci
Croton balsameus Müll.Arg.
Croton balsensis V.W.Steinm. & Mart.Gord.
Croton bangii Rusby
Croton barahonensis Urb.
Croton barorum Leandri
Croton barrabeae Bruy
Croton basaltorum (Leandri) P.E.Berry
Croton bastardii Leandri
Croton batangasensis Croizat
Croton bathianus Leandri
Croton beccarii J.Beyer
Croton beckii Riina & Feio
Croton beetlei Croizat
Croton bemaranus Leandri
Croton bemarivensis Leandri
Croton berberifolius Croizat
Croton bergassae Leandri
Croton bernieri Baill.
Croton betaceus Baill.
Croton betiokensis Leandri
Croton betulaster Müll.Arg.
Croton betulinus Vahl
Croton biaroensis Croizat
Croton bidentatus Müll.Arg.
Croton bifurcatus Baill.
Croton bigbendensis B.L.Turner
Croton billbergianus Müll.Arg.
Croton bispinosus C.Wright
Croton blanchetianus Baill.
Croton boavitanus Croizat
Croton bocquillonii Baill.
Croton boinensis Leandri
Croton boissieri Müll.Arg.
Croton boiteaui Leandri
Croton boivinianus (Baill.) Baill.
Croton bojerianus Baill.
Croton bolivarensis Croizat
Croton bonplandianus Baill.
Croton borbensis Secco & P.E.Berry
Croton borhidii O.Muñiz
Croton borneensis J.J.Sm.
Croton brachypus Airy Shaw
Croton brachytrichus Urb.
Croton bracteatus Lam.
Croton brassii Croizat
Croton bredemeyeri Müll.Arg.
Croton breedlovei B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton bresolinii L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton brevipes Pax
Croton brevispicatus Baill.
Croton brieyi De Wild.
Croton brittonianus Carabia
Croton brittonii Acev.-Rodr.
Croton bryophorus Croizat
Croton buchii Urb.
Croton burchellii Müll.Arg.
Croton buxifolius (Baill.) Müll.Arg.
Croton byrnesii Airy Shaw
Croton caboensis Croizat
Croton cajucara Benth.
Croton calcareus Riina & Mateo-Ram.
Croton caldensis Müll.Arg.
Croton calderi Chakrab. & N.P.Balakr.
Croton californicus Müll.Arg.
Croton callicarpifolius Vahl
Croton calocephalus Müll.Arg.
Croton calyciglandulosus Allem
Croton calycinus Spreng.
Croton calycireduplicatus Allem
Croton campanulatus Caruzo & Cordeiro
Croton campenonii Baill.
Croton campestris A.St.-Hil. , A.Juss. & Cambess.
Croton campinarensis Secco, A.Rosário & P.E.Berry
Croton camposii Riina & Ore-Rengifo
Croton capitatus Michx.
Croton capitis-york Airy Shaw
Croton caracasanus Pittier
Croton carajasensis Sodré & Secco
Croton carandaitensis Croizat
Croton cardenasii Standl.
Croton carinatus Müll.Arg.
Croton carpostellatus B.L.León & Mart.Gord.
Croton carrii Airy Shaw
Croton cascarilloides Raeusch.
Croton cassinoides Lam.
Croton catamarcensis Ahumada
Croton catariae Baill.
Croton catatii Baill.
Croton catinganus Müll.Arg.
Croton caudatus Geiseler
Croton ceanothifolius Baill.
Croton cearensis Baill.
Croton celtidifolius Baill.
Croton cerinodentatus Müll.Arg.
Croton cerinus Müll.Arg.
Croton cerroazulensis P.E.Berry & Galdames
Croton chaetophorus Müll.Arg.
Croton chakrabartyi Dhabak & Nandikar
Croton chamaepitys Baill.
Croton chamanus Steyerm.
Croton chamelensis E.J.Lott
Croton chapelieri Baill.
Croton charaguensis Standl.
Croton chauvetiae Leandri
Croton chiapensis Lundell
Croton chilensis Müll.Arg.
Croton chimboracensis P.E.Berry & Riina
Croton chiribiquetensis Cordiel
Croton chittagongensis Chakrab. & N.P.Balakr.
Croton chlaenacicomes Leandri
Croton chlorocalyx Müll.Arg.
Croton chloroleucus Müll.Arg.
Croton chocoanus Croizat
Croton chodatii (Croizat) P.E.Berry
Croton choristadenius K.Schum.
Croton chrysocladus Müll.Arg.
Croton chrysodaphne Baill.
Croton chunianus Croizat
Croton churumayensis Croizat
Croton churutensis Riina & Cornejo
Croton chypreae Leandri
Croton ciliatoglandulifer Ortega
Croton cinerascens Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton cinerellus Müll.Arg.
Croton claessensii Vermoesen ex De Wild.
Croton claussenianus Baill.
Croton clavuliger Müll.Arg.
Croton cliffordii Hutch. & E.A.Bruce
Croton cnidophyllus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton coccymelophyllus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton colliguay Molina
Croton colubrinoides Merr.
Croton columnaris Airy Shaw
Croton comatus Vell.
Croton comayaguanus Standl. & L.O.Williams
Croton compressus Lam.
Croton condorensis Riina & Cerón
Croton conduplicatus Kunth
Croton confertus Baker
Croton confinis L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton congensis De Wild.
Croton consanguineus Müll.Arg.
Croton conspurcatus Schltdl.
Croton constrictus Baill.
Croton cooperianus (Croizat) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton corallicola Borhidi
Croton corchoropsis Baill.
Croton cordatulus Airy Shaw
Croton cordiifolius Baill.
Croton coriaceus Kunth
Croton coriifolius Airy Shaw
Croton corinthius Poveda & J.A.González
Croton coronatus Urb.
Croton cortesianus Kunth
Croton coryi Croizat
Croton corylifolius Lam.
Croton costatus Kunth
Croton cotabatensis Croizat
Croton cotoneaster Müll.Arg.
Croton craspedotrichus Griseb.
Croton crassifolius Geiseler
Croton crispatus Thulin
Croton cristalensis Urb.
Croton crocodilorum Leandri
Croton crossolepis P.E.Berry & Kainul.
Croton crustulifer Croizat
Croton cuadrosii P.E.Berry
Croton cubiensis Gagnep.
Croton cuchillae-nigrae Croizat
Croton cucutensis Croizat
Croton culiacanensis Croizat
Croton cuneatus Klotzsch
Croton cupreatus Croizat
Croton cupreolepis P.E.Berry, B.W.van Ee & Kainul.
Croton cupreus Elmer
Croton cupulifer McVaugh
Croton curculiospermus Riina
Croton curiosus Croizat
Croton curranii S.F.Blake
Croton curvipes Urb.
Croton cuyabensis Pilg.
Croton cycloideus Borhidi & O.Muñiz
Croton damayeshu Y.T.Chang
Croton danguyanus Leandri
Croton debilis Müll.Arg.
Croton decalobus Müll.Arg.
Croton decalvatus Esser
Croton decaryi Leandri
Croton decipiens Baill.
Croton delpyi Gagnep.
Croton densivestitus C.T.White & W.D.Francis
Croton deserticola Steyerm.
Croton desertorum Müll.Arg.
Croton diasii Pires ex Secco & P.E.Berry
Croton dibindi Pellegr.
Croton dichogamus Pax
Croton dichromifolius P.I.Forst.
Croton dichrous Müll.Arg.
Croton dictyophlebodes Radcl.-Sm.
Croton didrichsenii G.L.Webster
Croton dinghuensis H.S.Kiu
Croton dioicus Cav.
Croton discolor Willd.
Croton disjunctus V.W.Steinm.
Croton dispar N.E.Br.
Croton dissectistipulatus Secco
Croton dissimilis Baill.
Croton dockrillii Airy Shaw
Croton dodecamerus Gagnep.
Croton domatifer Riina & P.E.Berry
Croton dongnaiensis Pierre ex Gagnep.
Croton doratophylloides (Croizat) G.L.Webster
Croton doratophyllus Baill.
Croton draco Schltdl. & Cham.
Croton draconoides Müll.Arg.
Croton draconopsis Müll.Arg.
Croton dracunculoides Baill.
Croton droguetioides Kainul. & Radcl.-Sm.
Croton dusenii Croizat
Croton dybowskii Hutch.
Croton eberhardtii Gagnep.
Croton echinulatus (Griseb.) Croizat
Croton echioideus Baill.
Croton eggersii Pax
Croton ehrenbergii Schltdl.
Croton eichleri Müll.Arg.
Croton ekmanii Urb.
Croton elaeagni Baill.
Croton elbertii Airy Shaw
Croton elkerensis Friis & M.G.Gilbert
Croton elliotianus Baill.
Croton elliottii Chapm.
Croton ellipticus Geiseler
Croton elskensii De Wild.
Croton eluteria (L.) W.Wright
Croton emeliae Baill.
Croton enigmaticus P.E.Berry & B.W.van Ee
Croton ensifolius Merr.
Croton eremophilus Müll.Arg.
Croton ericius Leandri
Croton ericoides Baill.
Croton eriocladoides Müll.Arg.
Croton erythrochilus Müll.Arg.
Croton erythrochyloides Croizat
Croton erythrostachys Hook.f.
Croton erythroxyloides Baill.
Croton essequiboensis Klotzsch
Croton euryphyllus W.W.Sm.
Croton exuberans Müll.Arg.
Croton fantzianus F.Seym.
Croton farinosus Lam.
Croton faroensis Secco
Croton fastuosus Baill.
Croton fernandezii Riina & Caruzo
Croton ferricretus Kainul., B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton ferruginellus Müll.Arg.
Croton ferrugineus Kunth
Croton fianarantsoae Leandri
Croton fishlockii Britton
Croton flavens L.
Croton flavescens Greenm.
Croton flavoglandulosus Lundell
Croton floccosus B.A.Sm.
Croton floribundus Spreng.
Croton fluviatilis Esser
Croton fothergillifolius Baill.
Croton fragilis Kunth
Croton fragrans Kunth
Croton fragrantulus Croizat
Croton francoanus Müll.Arg.
Croton fraseri Müll.Arg.
Croton frieseanus Müll.Arg.
Croton frionis Müll.Arg.
Croton fruticulosus Torr.
Croton fulvus Mart.
Croton fuscus (Didr.) Müll.Arg.
Croton gageanus P.T.Li
Croton gaumeri Millsp.
Croton geayi Leandri
Croton geraesensis (Baill.) G.L.Webster
Croton gibsonianus Nimmo
Croton gigantifolius P.E.Berry & Secco
Croton gilgianus Herter
Croton glabellus L.
Croton glabrescens Miq.
Croton glandulosepalus Millsp.
Croton glandulosobracteatus Carn.-Torres & Cordeiro
Croton glandulosodentatus Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton glandulosus L.
Croton glaziovii Müll.Arg.
Croton glechomifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton glomeratus Aug.DC.
Croton glutinosus Müll.Arg.
Croton glyptospermus Müll.Arg.
Croton gnaphalii Baill.
Croton gnaphaloides Schrad.
Croton gnidiaceus Baill.
Croton gomezii G.L.Webster
Croton gonaivensis Urb. & Ekman
Croton gossweileri Hutch.
Croton gossypiifolius Vahl
Croton goudotii Baill.
Croton goyazensis Müll.Arg.
Croton gracilescens Müll.Arg.
Croton gracilior Radcl.-Sm.
Croton gracilipes Baill.
Croton gracilirameus M.J.Silva, Sodré & P.E.Berry
Croton grandivelum Baill.
Croton grangerioides Bojer ex Baill.
Croton graomogolensis Barbosa & Carn.-Torres
Croton gratissimus Burch.
Croton grazielae Secco
Croton greveanus Baill.
Croton grewiifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton grewioides Baill.
Croton griffithii Hook.f.
Croton grisebachianus Müll.Arg.
Croton griseus Airy Shaw
Croton grossedentatus Pittier
Croton guaiquinimae Steyerm.
Croton guaritensis A.P.N.Pereira & Caruzo
Croton guatemalensis Lotsy
Croton guerelae Leandri
Croton guerreroanus Mart.Gord. & Cruz Durán
Croton guianensis Aubl.
Croton guilleminianus Baill.
Croton habrophyllus Airy Shaw
Croton hadriani Baill.
Croton haitiensis P.T.Li
Croton hancei Benth.
Croton harleyi Carn.-Torres & Cordeiro
Croton hasskarlianus Müll.Arg.
Croton hatschbachii Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton haumanianus J.Léonard
Croton hecatonandrus Müll.Arg.
Croton heliaster S.F.Blake
Croton helichrysum Baill.
Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth
Croton hemiargyreus Müll.Arg.
Croton hentyi Airy Shaw
Croton heptalon (Kuntze) B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton herzogianus (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton heteranthus Aug.DC.
Croton heterocalyx Baill.
Croton heterocarpus Müll.Arg.
Croton heterochrous Müll.Arg.
Croton heterodoxus Baill.
Croton heterotrichus Müll.Arg.
Croton hibiscifolius Kunth ex Spreng.
Croton hieronymi Griseb.
Croton hilarii Baill.
Croton hildebrandtii Baill.
Croton hircinus Vent.
Croton hirtus L’Hér.
Croton hoffmannii Müll.Arg.
Croton holguinensis Borhidi
Croton holodiscus (Croizat) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton holtonii Müll.Arg.
Croton hondensis (H.Karst.) G.L.Webster
Croton horminum Baill.
Croton hostmannii Miq.
Croton hovarum Leandri
Croton howii Merr. & Chun ex Y.T.Chang
Croton huajuapanensis Mart.Gord. & Cruz Durán
Croton huamaliensis Riina
Croton huberi Steyerm.
Croton huitotorum Croizat
Croton humbertii Leandri
Croton humblotii Baill.
Croton humilis L.
Croton hutchinsonianus Hosseus
Croton hypochalibaeus Baill.
Croton hypoleucus Schltdl.
Croton icabarui Jabl.
Croton icche Lundell
Croton ichthygaster L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton ignifex Croizat
Croton ihosianus Leandri
Croton imbricatus L.R.Lima & Pirani
Croton impressus Urb.
Croton inaequilobus Steyerm.
Croton incanus Kunth
Croton incertus Müll.Arg.
Croton incisus Baill.
Croton indivisus Vell.
Croton indrisilvae Kainul., B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton inhambanensis Radcl.-Sm.
Croton inops Baill.
Croton insularis Baill.
Croton integrifolius Pax
Croton integrilobus Croizat
Croton intercedens Müll.Arg.
Croton isabellei Baill.
Croton isalensis (Leandri) Leandri
Croton isomonensis Leandri
Croton iteophyllus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton itzaeus Lundell
Croton jacobinensis Baill.
Croton jamaicensis B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton jamesonii Müll.Arg.
Croton jansii J.Léonard
Croton jatrophoides Pax
Croton jaucoensis Borhidi
Croton javarisensis Secco
Croton jennyanus Gris ex Baill.
Croton jimenezii Standl. & Valerio
Croton jorgei J.Murillo
Croton josephina Müll.Arg.
Croton joufra Roxb.
Croton jucundus Brandegee
Croton julopsidium Baill.
Croton junceus Baill.
Croton jutiapensis Croizat
Croton kalkmannii Müll.Arg.
Croton kallunkiae Riina & Caruzo
Croton kaloae Croizat
Croton kelantanicus Airy Shaw
Croton kerrii Airy Shaw
Croton killipianus Croizat
Croton kilwae Radcl.-Sm.
Croton kimosorum Leandri
Croton kinondoensis G.W.Hu, Ngumbau & Q.F.Wang
Croton klaenzei Müll.Arg.
Croton kleinii L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton klotzschianus (Wight) Thwaites
Croton kongensis Gagnep.
Croton kongkandanus Esser
Croton krabas Gagnep.
Croton krukoffianus Croizat
Croton kurzii Croizat
Croton laceratoglandulosus Caruzo & Cordeiro
Croton lachnocarpus Benth.
Croton lachnocladus Mart. ex Müll.Arg.
Croton laciniatistylus J.Léonard
Croton laeticapsulus Croizat
Croton laevigatus Vahl
Croton lagoensis Müll.Arg.
Croton lagunillae Croizat
Croton lamdongensis Thin
Croton lanatus Lam.
Croton lanceilimbus Merr.
Croton landoltii Ahumada
Croton langsdorffii Müll.Arg.
Croton langsonensis Thin
Croton laniflorus Geiseler
Croton laoticus Gagnep.
Croton lapanus Müll.Arg.
Croton lasiopetaloides Croizat
Croton lasiopyrus Baill.
Croton latsonensis Gagnep.
Croton laui Merr. & F.P.Metcalf
Croton lauioides Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton laureltyanus Ahumada
Croton laurifolius Spach ex Baill.
Croton laurinus Sw.
Croton lawianus Nimmo
Croton lechleri Müll.Arg.
Croton lehmannii Pax
Croton leiophyllus Müll.Arg.
Croton lenheirensis D.Medeiros, L.Senna & R.J.V.Alves
Croton leonensis Hutch.
Croton leonis (Croizat) B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton leptanthus Airy Shaw
Croton leptopus Müll.Arg.
Croton leptostachyus Kunth
Croton leuconeurus Pax
Croton leucophlebius C.Wright ex Griseb.
Croton leucophyllus Müll.Arg.
Croton levatii Guillaumin
Croton leytensis Croizat
Croton lichenisilvae Leandri
Croton limae A.P.S.Gomes, M.F.Sales & P.E.Berry
Croton limnocharis Croizat
Croton lindheimeri (Engelm. & A.Gray) Alph.Wood
Croton lindheimerianus Scheele
Croton lindmanii Urb.
Croton lindquistii V.W.Steinm.
Croton linearifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton linearis Jacq.
Croton lissophyllus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts ex Esser
Croton lithrifolius (Croizat) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton lombardianus Croizat
Croton longibracteatus Mart.Gord. & de Luna
Croton longicarpus A.P.N.Pereira, Caruzo & Riina
Croton longicolumellus B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton longifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton longipedicellatus J.Léonard
Croton longiracemosus Hutch.
Croton longissimus Airy Shaw
Croton loretensis Riina & Caruzo
Croton lotorius Croizat
Croton loucoubensis Baill.
Croton loukandensis Pellegr.
Croton lucens P.I.Forst.
Croton luciae Croizat
Croton lucidus L.
Croton luetzelburgii Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton lundianus (Didr.) Müll.Arg.
Croton luzoniensis Müll.Arg.
Croton maasii Riina & P.E.Berry
Croton macbridei Croizat
Croton macrobothrys Baill.
Croton macrobuxus Baill.
Croton macrocalyx Mart. ex Baill.
Croton macrocarpus Ridl.
Croton macrodontus Müll.Arg.
Croton macrolepis Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton macrosepalus Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile
Croton macrostigma Chodat
Croton maculatus Vahl
Croton madandensis S.Moore
Croton maestrensis (Alain) B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton maevaranensis Leandri
Croton magdalenae Millsp.
Croton magneticus Airy Shaw
Croton magnifolius Sessé & Moc.
Croton magniglandulifer (V.W.Steinm.) B.W.van Ee
Croton malabaricus Bedd.
Croton malacotrichus Müll.Arg.
Croton malambo H.Karst.
Croton mallotophyllus Croizat
Croton malvavisciifolius Millsp.
Croton mamillatus P.I.Forst.
Croton manampetsae Leandri
Croton mansfeldii Urb.
Croton martinianus V.W.Steinmann
Croton masonii I.M.Johnst.
Croton matourensis Aubl.
Croton matudae Lundell
Croton mauritianus Lam.
Croton mavoravina Leandri
Croton mayanus B.L.León & H.F.M.Vester
Croton mayottae P.E.Berry & Kainul.
Croton mayumbensis J.Léonard
Croton mazapensis Lundell
Croton mcvaughii G.L.Webster
Croton medusae Müll.Arg.
Croton meeboldianus Chakrab. & N.P.Balakr.
Croton megaladenus Urb.
Croton megalobotryoides De Wild.
Croton megalobotrys Müll.Arg.
Croton megalocalyx Müll.Arg.
Croton megalocarpoides Friis & M.G.Gilbert
Croton megalocarpus Hutch.
Croton megalodendron Müll.Arg.
Croton megistocarpus J.A.González & Poveda
Croton mekongensis Gagnep.
Croton melanoleucus Müll.Arg.
Croton membranaceus Müll.Arg.
Croton menabeensis Leandri
Croton menarandrae Leandri
Croton menthodorus Benth.
Croton menyharthii Pax
Croton meridionalis Leandri
Croton merrillianus Croizat
Croton metallicus Müll.Arg.
Croton mexicanus Müll.Arg.
Croton miarensis Leandri
Croton micans Sw.
Croton michaelii V.W.Steinm.
Croton michauxii G.L.Webster
Croton micradenus Urb.
Croton microcarpus Ham.
Croton microgyne Croizat
Croton microphyllinus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton microtiglium Burkill
Croton milanjensis Leandri
Croton millspaughii Standl.
Croton minimimarginiglandulosus Radcl.-Sm.
Croton minimus P.I.Forst.
Croton miradorensis Müll.Arg.
Croton miraflorensis Borhidi
Croton mocquerysii Aug.DC.
Croton mollis Benth.
Croton monanthogynus Michx. Plant FAQs: Croton Monanthogynus
Croton mongue Baill.
Croton monogynus Urb.
Croton montevidensis Spreng.
Croton montis-silam Airy Shaw
Croton moonii Thwaites
Croton morifolius Willd.
Croton morobensis Croizat
Croton morotaeus Airy Shaw
Croton moschatus Monteverde & T.P.Betanc.
Croton moustiquensis Urb.
Croton mubango Müll.Arg.
Croton mucronifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton muellerianus L.R.Lima
Croton multicaulis P.I.Forst.
Croton multicostatus Müll.Arg.
Croton munizii Borhidi
Croton muricatus Vahl
Croton muriculatus Airy Shaw
Croton muscicapa Müll.Arg.
Croton mutabilis P.I.Forst.
Croton mutisianus Kunth
Croton myrianthus Müll.Arg.
Croton myriaster Baker
Croton myricifolius Griseb.
Croton myrsinites Baill.
Croton nagaoi Tagane, Soulad. & Souvann.
Croton neblinae Jabl.
Croton nepalensis T.Kuros.
Croton nepetifolius Baill.
Croton neuwiedii Müll.Arg.
Croton nigricans (Mart. ex Schltdl.) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton nigritanus Scott Elliot
Croton nigroviridis Thwaites
Croton nirguensis Riina & W.Meier
Croton nitens Sw.
Croton nitidulifolius Croizat
Croton nitidulus Baker
Croton nitrariifolius Baill.
Croton niveus Jacq.
Croton nobilis Baill.
Croton noronhae Baill.
Croton novae-astigis Croizat
Croton novi-friburgi Müll.Arg.
Croton nubigenus G.L.Webster
Croton nudatus Baill.
Croton nudulus Croizat
Croton nummularius Baill.
Croton nuntians Croizat
Croton oblongus Burm.f.
Croton odontadenius Müll.Arg.
Croton oerstedianus Müll.Arg.
Croton olanchanus Standl. & L.O.Williams
Croton oleoides Müll.Arg.
Croton oligandrus Pierre ex Hutch.
Croton oliganthus Müll.Arg.
Croton olivaceus Müll.Arg.
Croton ophiticola Borhidi
Croton orangeae Kainul. & P.E.Berry
Croton orbicularis Thunb.
Croton organensis Baill.
Croton orientensis Borhidi
Croton origanifolius Lam.
Croton orinocensis Müll.Arg.
Croton ortegae Standl.
Croton ortholobus Müll.Arg.
Croton ovalifolius Vahl
Croton pachypodus G.L.Webster
Croton pachyrachis Alain
Croton pachysepalus Griseb.
Croton pagiveteris Croizat
Croton palanostigma Klotzsch
Croton palawanensis Merr. ex Croizat
Croton pallidus Müll.Arg.
Croton palmatus Sessé & Moc.
Croton palmeri S.Watson
Croton paludosus Müll.Arg.
Croton pampangensis Croizat
Croton panduriformis Müll.Arg.
Croton pannosus Thunb.
Croton paraensis Müll.Arg.
Croton paraguayensis Chodat
Croton parksii Croizat
Croton parodianus Croizat
Croton parvifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton pascualii E.J.Lott & Mart.Gord.
Croton patrum L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton paucistamineus Müll.Arg.
Croton pavonianus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton pavonis Müll.Arg.
Croton paxianus Herter
Croton payaquensis Standl.
Croton pedersenii Ahumada
Croton pedicellatus Kunth
Croton pedunculatus Vell.
Croton peekelii Lauterb.
Croton pellitus Kunth
Croton peltatus Thunb.
Croton peltophorus Müll.Arg.
Croton pendens Lundell
Croton penduliflorus Hutch.
Croton penninervis Scheele
Croton peraeruginosus Croizat
Croton perimetralensis Secco
Croton perintricatus Croizat
Croton perlongiflorus Croizat
Croton persimilis Müll.Arg.
Croton perspeciosus Croizat
Croton perstipulatus G.L.Webster ex Caruzo & Secco
Croton peruvianus Briq.
Croton pervestitus C.Wright ex Griseb.
Croton perviscosus Croizat
Croton petraeus Müll.Arg.
Croton phaenodon Airy Shaw
Croton phebalioides F.Muell. ex Müll.Arg.
Croton phourinii H.Toyama & Tagane
Croton phuquocensis Croizat
Croton phyllanthus (Chodat & Hassl.) G.L.Webster
Croton piauhiensis Müll.Arg.
Croton pilgeri Ule
Croton pilophorus Airy Shaw
Croton pilosus Spreng.
Croton pilulifer Rusby
Croton piptocalyx Müll.Arg.
Croton plagiograptus Müll.Arg.
Croton planaltoanus M.J.Silva & Sodré
Croton platyphyllus Lundell
Croton pleytei Airy Shaw
Croton pluriglandulosus Carn.-Torres & Riina
Croton plurispicatus P.E.Berry, Kainul. & B.W.van Ee
Croton poecilanthus Urb.
Croton poggei Pax
Croton poilanei Gagnep.
Croton poitaei Urb.
Croton polot Burm.f.
Croton polyandrus Spreng.
Croton polygonoides L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton polypleurus Croizat
Croton polytomus Urb.
Croton polytrichus Pax
Croton pontis Croizat
Croton poomae Esser
Croton potabilis Croizat
Croton potaroensis Lanj.
Croton pottsii (Klotzsch) Müll.Arg.
Croton pradensis D.Medeiros, L.Senna & R.J.V.Alves
Croton priscus Croizat
Croton procumbens Jacq.
Croton promunturii Leandri
Croton prostratus Urb.
Croton pseudoadipatus Croizat
Croton pseudofragrans Croizat
Croton pseudoglabellus Lundell
Croton pseudoniloticus De Wild.
Croton pseudoniveus Lundell
Croton pseudopopulus Baill.
Croton pseudopulchellus Pax
Croton pulcher Müll.Arg.
Croton pulegiodorus Baill.
Croton pullei Lanj.
Croton punctatus Jacq.
Croton puncticulatus Müll.Arg.
Croton pungens Jacq.
Croton purdiei Müll.Arg.
Croton purpurascens Y.T.Chang
Croton pycnadenius Müll.Arg.
Croton pycnanthus Benth.
Croton pycnocephalus Baill.
Croton pycnophyllus Salzm. ex Schltdl.
Croton pygmaeus L.R.Lima
Croton pynaertii De Wild.
Croton pyrifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton pyrosoma (Croizat) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton quadrisetosus Lam.
Croton quercetorum Croizat
Croton quintasii Allem
Croton quisumbingianus Croizat
Croton radiatus P.E.Berry & Kainul.
Croton radlkoferi Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton rakotoniainii Leandri
Croton ramboi Allem
Croton ramellae Ahumada
Croton ramillatus Croizat
Croton ramosissimus Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton rarus P.I.Forst.
Croton rectipilis Croizat
Croton redolens Pittier
Croton reflexifolius Kunth
Croton refractus Müll.Arg.
Croton regeneratrix Leandri
Croton rehderianus Croizat
Croton reitzii L.B.Sm. & Downs
Croton repens Schltdl.
Croton restingae Sodré & Riina
Croton revolutus (Alain) B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton rhamnifolioides Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton rheophyticus Airy Shaw
Croton rhexiifolius Baill.
Croton rhodostachyus Müll.Arg.
Croton rhodotrichus Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton rimbachii Croizat
Croton ripensis Kaneh. & Hatus.
Croton rivinifolius Kunth
Croton rivularis Müll.Arg.
Croton rizzinii Farias & Riina
Croton robustior (L.B.Sm. & Downs) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton robustus Kurz
Croton roraimensis Croizat
Croton rosarianus Mart.Gord. & Cruz Durán
Croton rosmarinoides Millsp.
Croton rottlerifolius Baill.
Croton roxanae Croizat
Croton rubiginosus Croizat
Croton rudolphianus Müll.Arg.
Croton rufolepidotus Caruzo & Riina
Croton ruizianus Müll.Arg.
Croton rupestris (Chodat & Hassl.) G.L.Webster
Croton rusbyi Britton ex Rusby
Croton russulus Croizat
Croton rutilus (Chodat & Hassl.) G.L.Webster
Croton sacaquinha Croizat
Croton sahafariensis Kainul. & P.E.Berry
Croton saipanensis Hosok.
Croton sakamaliensis Leandri
Croton saltensis Griseb.
Croton salutaris Casar.
Croton salviformis Baill.
Croton salzmannii (Baill.) G.L.Webster
Croton samarensis Airy Shaw
Croton sampatik Müll.Arg.
Croton sanctae-crucis S.Moore
Croton sancti-lazari Croizat
Croton santamartensis Riina & P.E.Berry
Croton santaritensis Huft
Croton santisukii Airy Shaw
Croton sapiiflorus Croizat
Croton sapiifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton sarcocarpus Balf.f.
Croton scaber Willd.
Croton scabiosus Bedd.
Croton scalaeus J.Beyer
Croton scheffleri Pax
Croton schiedeanus Schltdl.
Croton schimperianus Müll.Arg.
Croton schultesii Müll.Arg.
Croton schultzii Benth.
Croton sclerocalyx (Didr.) Müll.Arg.
Croton scopuligenus Croizat
Croton scoriarum Leandri
Croton scouleri Hook.f.
Croton scutatus P.E.Berry
Croton seccoi Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton sellowii Baill.
Croton seminudus Müll.Arg.
Croton semivestitus Müll.Arg.
Croton senescens Croizat
Croton sepalinus Airy Shaw
Croton seretii Vermoesen ex De Wild.
Croton serpyllifolius Baill.
Croton serratifolius Baill.
Croton serratus Müll.Arg.
Croton sertanejus Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton setiger Hook.
Croton sexmetralis Croizat
Croton shreveanus Croizat
Croton sibundoyensis Croizat
Croton siderophyllus Baill.
Croton sidifolius Lam.
Croton siltepecensis Lundell
Croton silvanus Croizat
Croton simalurensis J.Beyer
Croton simulans P.I.Forst.
Croton sincorensis Mart. ex Müll.Arg.
Croton singularis Airy Shaw
Croton sipaliwinensis Lanj.
Croton smithianus Croizat
Croton socotranus Balf.f.
Croton solanaceus (Müll.Arg.) G.L.Webster
Croton soliman Schltdl. & Cham.
Croton somalensis Pax
Croton sonorae Torr.
Croton soratensis Müll.Arg.
Croton sousae Mart.Gord. & Cruz Durán
Croton speciosus Müll.Arg.
Croton sphaerogynus Baill.
Croton spica Baill.
Croton spiciflorus Thunb.
Croton spiraeifolius Jabl.
Croton spiralis Müll.Arg.
Croton splendidus Mart.
Croton spruceanus Benth.
Croton spurcus Croizat
Croton stahelianus Lanj.
Croton staminosus Müll.Arg.
Croton standleyanus Croizat
Croton stanneus Baill.
Croton steenkampianus Gerstner
Croton stellatoferrugineus Caruzo & Cordeiro
Croton stellatopilosus H.Ohba
Croton stellatorotatus Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton stellulifer Hutch.
Croton stenopetalus G.L.Webster
Croton stenophyllus Griseb.
Croton stenosepalus Müll.Arg.
Croton stigmatosus F.Muell.
Croton stipulaceus Kunth
Croton stipularis (Müll.Arg.) G.L.Webster
Croton stipulatus Vell.
Croton stockeri (Airy Shaw) Airy Shaw
Croton stoechadis Baill.
Croton stylosus Müll.Arg.
Croton suassunae Y.Rossine & A.L.Melo
Croton suaveolens Torr.
Croton suavis Kunth
Croton subacutus (Baill.) Müll.Arg.
Croton subasperrimum Secco, P.E.Berry & Rosário
Croton subcinerellus Croizat
Croton subdecumbens Borhidi & O.Muñiz
Croton suberosus Kunth
Croton subferrugineus Müll.Arg.
Croton subfragilis Müll.Arg.
Croton subglaber K.Schum.
Croton subjucundus Croizat
Croton sublepidotus Müll.Arg.
Croton sublyratus Kurz
Croton submetallicus Baill.
Croton subpannosus Müll.Arg. ex Griseb.
Croton subsuavis Croizat
Croton subvillosus Müll.Arg.
Croton sucrensis Steyerm.
Croton sulcifructus Balf.f.
Croton sutup Lundell
Croton suyapensis Ant.Molina
Croton sylvaticus Hochst.
Croton tabascensis Lundell
Croton tacanensis Lundell
Croton talaeporos Radcl.-Sm.
Croton tanalorum Leandri
Croton tarapotensis Müll.Arg.
Croton tardeflorens Leandri
Croton tartonraira Müll.Arg.
Croton tartonrairoides Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton tchibangensis Pellegr.
Croton tejucensis Müll.Arg.
Croton tenellus Müll.Arg.
Croton tenuicaudatus Lundell
Croton tenuicaulis B.W.van Ee & P.E.Berry
Croton tenuifolius Pax & K.Hoffm.
Croton tenuilobus S.Watson
Croton terminalis Vell.
Croton tessmannii Mansf.
Croton tetradenius Baill.
Croton texensis (Klotzsch) Müll.Arg.
Croton thermarum Müll.Arg.
Croton thoii Thin
Croton thomasii Riina & P.E.Berry
Croton thorelii Gagnep.
Croton thouarsianus Baill.
Croton thurifer Kunth
Croton thymelinus Baill.
Croton tiglium L.
Croton tiliifolius Lam.
Croton timandroides (Didr.) Müll.Arg.
Croton timotensis Pittier
Croton tocantinsensis Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton toliarensis B.W.van Ee & Kainul.
Croton tomentellus F.Muell.
Croton tonantinensis Jabl.
Croton tonduzii Pax
Croton touranensis Gagnep.
Croton tremulifolius Croizat
Croton triacros F.Muell.
Croton triangularis Müll.Arg.
Croton trichophilus (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton trichotomus Geiseler
Croton tricolor Klotzsch ex Baill.
Croton tridentatus Mart. ex Müll.Arg.
Croton triglandulatus Vell.
Croton trigonocarpus Griseb.
Croton trinitatis Millsp.
Croton triqueter Lam.
Croton trombetensis Secco, P.E.Berry & N.A.Rosa
Croton tsiampiensis Leandri
Croton tuerckheimii Donn.Sm.
Croton tumbesinus Riina
Croton turumiquirensis Steyerm.
Croton tyndaridum Croizat
Croton uliginosus Sodré & M.J.Silva
Croton umbratilis Kunth
Croton uribei Croizat
Croton urticifolius Lam.
Croton urucurana Baill.
Croton uruguayensis Baill.
Croton ustulatus Radcl.-Sm.
Croton vaccinioides A.Rich.
Croton vaillantii Geiseler
Croton varelae V.W.Steinm.
Croton vatomandrensis Leandri
Croton vaughanii Croizat
Croton vauthierianus Baill.
Croton velame Müll.Arg.
Croton vellozianus Müll.Arg.
Croton velutinus Baill.
Croton verapazensis Donn.Sm.
Croton verbascoides G.L.Webster
Croton verbenifolius Müll.Arg.
Croton vergarenae (Jabl.) Gillespie
Croton vermoesenii De Wild.
Croton verreauxii Baill.
Croton verrucosus Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton versicolor Müll.Arg.
Croton verticillatus Sessé & Moc.
Croton vestitus Spreng.
Croton vidalii Airy Shaw
Croton vietnamensis Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton viminalis Griseb.
Croton virgultosus Müll.Arg.
Croton viridifolius J.Beyer
Croton viridulus (Croizat) Radcl.-Sm. & Govaerts
Croton virletianus Müll.Arg.
Croton viroleoides P.E.Berry & Secco
Croton vogelianus Airy Shaw
Croton vulnerarius Baill.
Croton vulpinus Sessé & Moc.
Croton wagneri Müll.Arg.
Croton wallichii Müll.Arg.
Croton waltherioides Urb.
Croton wassi-kussae Croizat
Croton waterhouseae P.I.Forst.
Croton watsonii Standl.
Croton websteri M.J.Martinez Gordillo & J.Jiménez Ram.
Croton wellensii De Wild.
Croton widgrenianus Müll.Arg.
Croton wigginsii L.C.Wheeler
Croton wissmannii O.Schwartz
Croton womersleyi Airy Shaw
Croton xalapensis Kunth
Croton yanhuii Y.T.Chang
Croton yavitensis Croizat
Croton yecorensis V.W.Steinmann & Felger
Croton yerbalium Chodat & Hassl.
Croton ynesae Croizat
Croton ysabelae Croizat
Croton yucatanensis Lundell
Croton yunnanensis W.W.Sm.
Croton zambalensis Merr.
Croton zavaletae Conz. ex Rzed. & al.
Croton zeylanicus Müll.Arg.

How to care for a croton plant?

Based on my experience with my own croton, I’ve learned they can be a little fussy about watering. The key is to find the happy medium – moist soil, but not soggy. Sticking my finger in the dirt to check dryness is key. If it feels even slightly damp an inch or so down, I hold off on watering. Also, I learned the hard way that they love bright, indirect light. Mine sits right next to a south-facing window, but gets filtered light through a sheer curtain. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, so be careful! Oh, and one more thing – I wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every now and then to keep them looking shiny and dust-free. Seems to make the plant happy too!

How to propagate croton?

Propagating my croton was actually pretty fun! I used stem cuttings. I took a healthy-looking stem, about 6 inches long, with a few sets of leaves. Made sure to cut it at an angle just below a leaf node with sharp pruners (clean cuts help prevent rot). I then dipped the cut end in rooting hormone, which I found at the local gardening store (not essential, but it can boost root growth). Then I planted the stem in a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Kept the soil moist but not soggy, and placed the pot in a warm spot with indirect light. It took a few weeks, but eventually tiny roots started to sprout! I waited until the roots were well-established before transplanting the new little croton to a bigger pot. It was so rewarding to see my own baby croton growing from a simple cutting!

Are croton plants toxic to cats?

Ugh, yes! That’s the one downside to my beautiful croton. I had no idea they were toxic to cats until a friend who’s a vet mentioned it. Apparently the sap and leaves can irritate their mouths and tummy if they chew on them, and in bad cases could be more serious. Luckily, my cat seems more interested in batting at my string of pearls than the croton, but it’s definitely something to consider. If you have a curious kitty who likes to munch on plants, a croton might not be the best choice. There are some cat-safe plants out there, like spider plants, that might be a better fit for a multi-pet household.

Why is my croton dropping leaves?

Oh no, not the leaf drop! There are a few reasons why my croton might be shedding its colorful leaves. It could be getting a little thirsty. Crotons like consistently moist soil, but not soggy. Sticking my finger in the dirt and checking for dryness at least an inch down is what works for me. If it’s dry, that might be the culprit. On the other hand, maybe I’ve been overwatering it. Droopy, yellowing leaves can be a sign of that too. Finding the right watering balance can be tricky! Also, crotons don’t like cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Maybe I bumped it while moving furniture or forgot to close the window on a chilly night. Those could stress the plant out and make it lose some leaves. Time to check the thermostat and make sure it’s in a happy spot away from any vents or drafty windows.

Are croton plants toxic to dogs?

Absolutely, my croton is just as dangerous to curious pups as it is to felines. Those beautiful leaves and sap are toxic to our canine companions as well. If ingested, it can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Luckily, it’s usually not fatal, but it’s definitely not pleasant for them. My friend’s dog took a nibble out of a croton leaf once, and let’s just say there were some major tummy troubles for a day or two. It was a scare, and it definitely made me extra cautious about keeping my plant out of reach. Maybe consider placing your croton on a high shelf or using a hanging planter to keep it safely away from your furry friend. There are also plenty of dog-safe plants out there, like snake plants or bromeliads, that you can add to your home without worry.

Are crotons perennials?

In warmer climates, yes, crotons can actually be grown outdoors as perennials! At least, that’s what I’ve read. Here in my apartment, though, mine is definitely a houseplant perennial. Since it gets cold here in the winter, I wouldn’t risk putting it outside. But with proper care, it can live for many years indoors, putting out new growth and keeping those beautiful leaves colorful. I think mine is going on 3 years now, and it seems happy as long as I keep up with the watering, light, and occasional wipe-down of the leaves. So, perennial outdoors in the right zones, and definitely a long-lasting indoor plant with some TLC!

Do crotons like full sun?

My croton loves bright light, but I wouldn’t say it goes for full-blown sun all day long. At least, not the afternoon sun here. Those harsh rays can scorch the leaves and make the colors dull. Mine sits near a south-facing window, but it gets filtered light through a sheer curtain. That seems to be the sweet spot – lots of light, but diffused so it’s not too intense. I’ve read that some folks have success with their crotons getting some early morning sun, but then prefer them to have some shade during the hottest part of the day. Maybe depending on your climate and the window it’s by, you could experiment a bit. Just keep an eye on the leaves – if they start to brown or curl at the edges, that might be a sign it’s getting too much direct sun. Better to err on the side of caution and give it some filtered light instead.

How often to water croton?

Watering my croton is all about finding the balance between happy and hydrated, not soggy and sad. It can be a bit tricky, but I’ve learned from some trial and error. Here’s what works for me:

Finger check: Sticking my finger into the soil is key. I aim for the top inch or so to feel dry to the touch before watering again. If it feels even slightly damp down there, I hold off. Overwatering is a real enemy with crotons, so it’s better to err on the side of dryness.
Seasonally savvy: During the summer months, when my croton is actively growing, it might need watering once a week or so. Winter is a different story though. As the days get shorter and the temperatures cooler, I cut back on watering to maybe every other week. The key is to adjust based on what the plant is telling me.
Leaf watch: Drooping or wilting leaves can be a sign of thirst, but be careful not to confuse that with overwatering! If the underwatering is chronic, the leaves might also start to brown at the tips. These are all my cues to check the soil moisture and adjust my watering accordingly.

Remember, every plant is an individual, and your watering needs might vary depending on the size of your croton, the pot it’s in, and the humidity levels in your home. But with some practice and attention to your plant’s signals, you should be able to find the perfect watering routine to keep your croton happy and thriving.

Does croton flower?

You might be surprised to hear this, but yes, crotons can flower! Though in my experience, they’re not exactly known for their dazzling blooms. At least, not my houseplant croton. I’ve heard that outdoors in their natural habitat, they can flower more readily, but indoors it’s a bit of a rare sight.

If my croton ever decided to grace me with flowers, they’d probably be small and clustered, and most likely a white or yellowish color. Not exactly show-stopping, but kind of interesting to see nonetheless. From what I’ve read, they appear in the upper leaf axils, which are the little crooks where the leaves meet the stem.

Honestly, though, I don’t really care if mine ever flowers. The beautiful variegated leaves are the main attraction for me. But hey, if it ever decides to surprise me with a bloom or two, I won’t complain!

How big does croton get?

The ultimate height of my croton depends on where it lives! Here’s the deal:

Indoor ambitions: As a houseplant, my croton won’t reach for the sky. Most crotons grown indoors stay on the cozy side, typically reaching 3 to 5 feet tall. With some pruning, I can even keep it even more compact if space is at a premium.
Tropical titans: Outdoors in tropical areas, though, that’s a whole different story! Croton’s true potential comes out where it’s warm and humid year-round. In those conditions, they can morph into sizable shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall. Imagine that – my little houseplant becoming a tropical giant!

Do croton plants like to be root bound?

In my experience, crotons are okay with being slightly root bound, but not excessively so. It’s like they like a happy medium for their roots as well!

Here’s what I’ve observed:

Cozy comfort: When my croton’s roots have filled out the pot comfortably, it seems to encourage new growth on the top. It might even put out a flower or two (though those are rare for indoor plants). Maybe a little root snugness helps it focus its energy upwards.
Too tight trouble: However, if the roots become excessively crammed in the pot, things can go south. The plant might start to look stunted, with new growth slowing down or stopping altogether. I might also notice the leaves losing their vibrant colors or even dropping off. That’s a sign it’s time to give my croton a bigger pot with fresh soil.

So, to answer your question, crotons can tolerate being root-bound to a certain extent. But it’s important to be watchful for signs of stress and repot when necessary to keep them happy and thriving. Nobody likes feeling cramped, not even a plant!

What plants look good with crotons?

Since our crotons are known for their dramatic foliage and pops of color, let’s think about plants that can complement them in different ways:

Textural Contrast: Ferns are a great choice here. Their soft, feathery fronds add a lovely textural contrast to the croton’s bold leaves. Spider plants are another option, with their cascading greenery softening the look.
Color Play: For an analogous color scheme, try pairing your croton with plants that have similar color tones in their leaves. For example, a Chinese evergreen with burgundy foliage would pick up on the deeper reds sometimes seen in crotons. On the other hand, if you want a complementary pop, try a golden pothos with its bright green leaves.
Similar Light Needs: Remember, happy plants are beautiful plants! So it’s important to choose companions that share similar light requirements. Snake plants, with their architectural form, and Dracaena marginata, with its upright growth habit, are both low-light lovers like crotons.
Trailing Beauties: Hanging plants can add another dimension to your croton display. A purple heart plant, with its cascading deep burgundy foliage, would complement the croton’s colors beautifully. String of pearls, with its delicate, bead-like leaves, adds a whimsical touch.

Ultimately, the best way to choose plants that look good with your croton is to consider the overall look you’re going for in your space. Experiment, have fun, and see what combinations catch your eye!

How to revive a dead croton plant?

It can be heartbreaking to see a once-vibrant croton looking droopy and lifeless. But don’t give up just yet! Depending on how far gone it is, there might still be hope for reviving your croton friend. Here are some steps you can take:

Hydration Hero: Check the soil moisture first. Sometimes a seemingly dead croton is just thirsty. Stick your finger an inch or so down into the soil. If it feels dry, give your croton a good soak until water runs out the drainage holes. Let it completely drain before placing it back in its pot. Overwatering can also lead to a decline, so avoid that soggy soil situation.
Lighten Up: Crotons love light, but not always super harsh direct sun. Check the placement of your plant. If it’s getting blasted by afternoon sun, that could be the culprit. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light. East or north-facing windows are ideal.
Pruning Power: If some stems are completely brown and lifeless, prune them off with sharp, clean shears. This allows the plant to focus its energy on healthier parts. You can also try pruning back leggy or damaged branches to encourage new growth.
Root Check Rescue: If the above steps don’t bring your croton back from the brink, it might be time for a root inspection. Gently remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Mushy, brown roots indicate rot, likely from overwatering. You can try to salvage the situation by removing the rotten roots and repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Warmth Matters: Crotons don’t like cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Make sure it’s in a consistently warm spot away from vents, doors, or leaky windows.

Remember, revival is a process, so be patient! If your croton shows some signs of life after trying these steps, keep providing proper care and it might just surprise you with new growth. If it’s a very sad case, though, it might be time to say goodbye and start fresh with a new croton plant.

Will croton leaves grow back?

No, the individual croton leaves that have fallen off won’t magically grow back on the same stem. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost for your colorful foliage friend! Here’s the deal:

Scar Tissue Story: Where the leaf used to be, there’s a little scar on the stem. This is where new growth might sprout from, but it won’t be the same exact leaf.
New Branching Out: With proper care, your croton might surprise you by putting out new growth from these little bumpies, or nodes, on the stem. These new shoots will eventually develop into fresh leaves, giving your plant a fuller look.
Snip, Snip, Sprout: If you’re impatient for more leaves, you can try propagating your croton! Take a healthy stem cutting with a few nodes and some leaves. Root it in water or moist soil, and with some TLC, it’ll grow into a whole new croton plant with plenty of leaves.

So, while the exact leaves you lose won’t return, your croton has the potential to bounce back with beautiful new growth with proper care.

Are croton plants deer resistant?

You bet! Crotons are generally considered deer resistant. Those beautiful but slightly toxic leaves seem to be a turn-off for our browsing friends. At least, that’s been my experience (and what I’ve read online).

There are always exceptions, of course. If deer are desperate for food in the winter months, they might nibble on just about anything. But for the most part, crotons with their interesting foliage and potentially irritating sap don’t rank high on a deer’s buffet list.

So if you’re looking for a colorful plant that won’t get munched by deer, a croton might be a perfect choice for your garden. Just remember, they’re not fans of super cold weather, so in harsher climates, they might be happier as container plants that you can bring indoors during the winter.

Can crotons grow outside?

Absolutely! But it depends on where you live. Crotons are happiest in warm, humid climates year-round. They thrive as outdoor plants in USDA growing zones 9-11 [1]. These zones encompass areas in the southern United States with mild winters where temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

If you’re not in those zones, don’t despair! You can still enjoy crotons as houseplants, or you can bring them outdoors during the warmer months and treat them like temporary patio plants. Just be sure to bring them back inside before the first frost.

Can crotons survive winter?

It depends! Crotons are definitely not fans of cold weather. Here’s the breakdown:

Tropical at Heart: These guys are native to the warm, humid tropics, so freezing temperatures are a big no-no. They can’t survive a hard frost, let alone an extended winter freeze.
Zone Check: If you live in USDA growing zones 9-11, which are basically the southernmost parts of the US with mild winters, then crotons can potentially survive outdoors year-round.
Container Caution: Even in warmer zones, some gardeners prefer to keep their crotons in containers. This allows them to bring the plants indoors during cold snaps for extra protection.
Houseplant Hero: For most folks living in areas with colder winters, crotons make fantastic houseplants. They bring a burst of color and foliage interest indoors. With proper care, they can thrive for many years.

So, while surviving winter outdoors really depends on your climate, crotons can definitely add a touch of the tropics to your life, no matter where you live.

Can crotons take full sun?

Crotons can tolerate full sun, but with some important caveats:

Morning Sun is Best: Early morning sun exposure can be beneficial for your croton, giving it a good dose of light to start the day. However, avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Intensity Matters: The intensity of sunlight matters a lot. Crotons native to tropical rainforests are accustomed to filtered sunlight through the tree canopy. Direct afternoon sun, especially in very hot and dry regions, can scorch the leaves and dull the vibrant colors.
Location, Location, Location: Consider the placement of your croton. A south-facing window might be too much, especially in the afternoon. East or north-facing windows with more diffused light are ideal. If your croton is outdoors, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially if you live in a warm climate.
Leaf Watch: Keep an eye on your croton’s leaves. If they start to brown or curl at the edges, that’s a sign it’s getting too much sun. Move it to a shadier spot or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.

Ultimately, the key is finding the right balance for your specific croton. Some experimentation and observing how your plant reacts to different light conditions might be necessary. But remember, when in doubt, err on the side of caution and provide more filtered light to avoid sun damage.