The croton, also known as the miracle shrub, can grow up to 2 meters high. When it comes to care, the main thing is to avoid waterlogging.
It is not for nothing that the croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is also known as the miracle shrub or crab flower. The colorful leaves make the evergreen houseplant an eye-catcher. The plant grows upright and can reach heights of up to two meters. The color palette of the differently shaped leaves ranges from yellow to orange to strong red tones. Some varieties even have spotted or mottled foliage.
Kroton - Origin
The home of the miracle shrub is in Southeast Asia. There, the colorful shrub can be found in tropical forests. The croton belongs to the spurge family. This family of plants has a white, milky sap that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes when it exudes from the leaves and shoots. Be careful with pets too. The sap is poisonous!
Kroton - location and soil
The plant needs a lot of light so that the colorfulness of the croton is preserved. However, direct sunlight should be avoided. This would fade the leaf color. The miracle shrub is cultivated at room temperature and thrives at temperatures around 20 degrees. In winter, the thermometer can drop to 15 degrees.
» Important: The wonder shrub does not like getting cold feet and does not cope with draughts. The plant also does not tolerate waterlogging.
Commercially available potting soil may be used as a substrate. This provides the croton with all the necessary nutrients. If a drainage layer of gravel or broken pottery is placed in the bottom of the planter, the water can drain off better and the plant is protected from waterlogging.
Our recommendation:
Kroton - care
In summer, the miracle shrub loves tropical and warm humid conditions. In addition to regular watering, the leaves should also be sprayed with soft water every day.
» Tip: Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth not only keeps them clean, it also increases the humidity.
Waterlogging countsto avoid. Remove stagnant water from the coaster regularly. Otherwise root rot will quickly set in and the plant can usually no longer be saved.
In the summer, the croton tolerates weekly fertilizer applications. A conventional liquid fertilizer can be used for this. This is easy to dose and can be added directly to the irrigation water. Fertilize less in winter. Fertilizing every four weeks is sufficient.
Repot Croton
The miracle shrub should be repotted every three years at the latest. The soil in the planter is then completely renewed, as it is used up quite quickly. Whether you have to repot earlier depends on the size of the planter. If the roots are already protruding from the top or bottom of the plant pot, it is high time for new soil and a larger planter.
» Tip: Spring and summer are the best times to transplant the miracle shrub.
Kroton varieties
Since the miracle shrub comes in a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors, variety can be provided for the flower window.
| Variety | Features |
| Kroton 'Norma' | leaves remind of oak leaves red leaf veins |
| Kroton 'Patient' | broad leaves orange-yellow veins |
| Kroton 'van Ostenssee' | narrow leaves leaves green yellow speckled |
| Kroton 'Aucubafolia' | shiny leaves leaves covered with yellow dots |
Increase Croton
The croton can be propagated by cuttings from the head. The pruning takes place in late winter. For the cutting to root, soil temperatures of around 30 degrees are required. You should also ensure high humidity.
» Tip: The humidity can be increased by covering the cutting with a plastic cover. The cover should be aired regularly to prevent mold from forming.
Diseases and Pests
The plants are not susceptible to diseases and pests. However, if the miracle shrub is too dark, too cold or too dry, the plant will be weakened and spider mites or thrips may appear.