Croton, "Mammy" (Codiaeum variegatum, 'Mammy')

Also known as Croton Mammy, Mammy Croton, Mamey Croton, Croton Mamey, Codiaeum Mammy, variegated laurel, Kodiho (Ternate)

The following plant information was last updated on 10/21/2021.

Plant Type: tropical evergreen perennial shrub

Plant Family: Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

Visual Identification: characterized by its colorful (green, yellow, pink, orange, red, black), large, thick, leathery, shiny evergreen leaves, alternately arranged. Individual leaves are about 8 inches long and an inch wide, with an upright, twisting, curling, corkscrew growth habit.

Native Region(s): Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and the Western Pacific Ocean Islands

Landscape Use: Outdoors in container plantings, or as a shrub in-ground in the appropriate USDA hardiness zones. Plan to bring your potted croton plants indoors for the winter in zones below 11. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer resistant.

Height: 3 feet indoors, up to 8-10 feet outdoors

Spread: 1.5-3 feet indoors; up to 6 feet outdoors

Spacing: 2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones: 9b-12, or 4b+ if you plan to bring your plant indoors over the winter.

Hardy Down To: thrives in a warm humid environment with temperatures ranging from 60-80℉. Cold hardy to around 25 to 30° F, though ideally it should not be exposed to temperatures under 60° F in the day or 50° F during the night. Exposure to cold temperatures causes leaf loss.

Light: full sun to partial shade, or bright, indirect light indoors. For the best leaf color, some direct sun and bright light are essential. An excessive amount of shade causes the leaves to turn green and dull, and leaves will start to drop on the lower portions of the plant. When kept as a houseplant, a southern or western window is preferred for the most abundant light. If your plant is currently an indoor or partially shaded plant and you would like to move it outdoors into full sun, expose it to direct sun gradually in increasing time intervals each day over the course of a couple weeks to prevent leaf scorching. Avoid a location that receives full sun in the afternoon, as the leaves may scorch.

Water: requires regular, moderate watering. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry before the next watering. Potted plants will need a container with proper drainage. If you notice the leaves browning along the edges, you’re using too much water. The leaves enjoy a bit of misting, especially in dryer, winter months. Avoid calcium-rich or otherwise alkaline water. The ideal humidity level for the air surrounding the plant is between 40% and 80%. If planted outdoors, Croton Mammy is drought-tolerant once established.

Soil: well-draining soil of any type. Most sources claim that the pH of the soil is of no consequence, but one source claims the pH should ideally be on the acidic side, in the range of 4.5 - 6.5.

Maintenance: Croton Mammy grows slowly — about 12 inches on average each spring. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins, though pruning is not strictly necessary. Prune dead leaves and branches at any time. Diseased branches should be cut off at least six inches outside of the sick or wounded part. Overgrown branches should also be cut back just above a leaf or node on the stem to maintain the plant’s shape. Avoid cutting more than a third of a branch’s length off at any given time unless the part is dead or diseased, to avoid stressing the plant. Allow the branch to form new leaf growth before pruning it again. If growing in a container, up-pot when it shows signs of nutrient-deficiency as a result of becoming root-bound, such as leaf drooping and yellowing leaves. The best time to repot this plant is in late spring, after new growth has matured.

Fertilize: apply a quality granular fertilizer three times a year in spring, summer, and fall.

Seasons of Interest: it blooms in autumn with tiny yellowish female flowers with no petals and white male flowers. The star-shaped flowers are produced on long stalks but are insignificant.

Toxicity: The plant's sap is toxic. Ingestion may cause gastric distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach. The seeds are highly toxic and potentially fatal. All parts of the plant are poisonous and should be protected from accidental ingestion by children and pets. Skin contact with the milky sap can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even eczema. Disposable gloves and eye protection are recommended while potting, planting, or pruning.

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