croton plant mammy Croton 'Mammy', Variegated Croton 'Mammy'

Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy' 

Native Region/Environment: Malaysia

Sun/Light: Full sun to part shade.  Direct morning sun is the best whether indoors or out.  Some afternoon shade is good for exceptionally hot climates.  

Temperature: USDA Zones 10-12 but an exceptional houseplant or a good indoor-outdoor plant, weather permitting. Temperature below 60 degrees will result in leaf loss and possible mortality.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist without standing water.  It is better for the potted plant's soil to dry a little on top than have water sitting at the bottom.

Soil: Moist, fertile, well draining soil is optimal but croton are very adaptable even to poor soils just not standing water.

Growth Pattern:  In naturalized tropical and subtropical environments in warm, sunny locations they grow into densely compact bushes with color vibrancy increasing based on the amount of sunlight and moisture.  General rule of thumb with crotons is the higher the degree of color variation of the plant the higher the light requirements.

Mature Size: 8' x 8' under ideal outdoor conditions.  Compact, rounded bush 36" high and 24" wide at maturity indoors.

Attributes: A whimsical compilation of twisting, curling leaves of unimaginable multicolor patterns that bedazzle the eyes. Strong bright light=strong bright colors; indirect, mostly shade or filtered light=muted colors with a dingy grey hue, but still attractive.

Pot: 5"