CROTON ELAINE – Codiaeum variegatum pictum
Stiff waxy leaves offer a variety of striking or soft colors. Plants are fast growing; prune to contain size aas necessary.
TEMPERATURE: Average to warm: minimum at night 60-65 degrees.
LIGHT: Full Sun or bright indirect light.
WATERING: Keep soil uniformly moist but not wet.
FERTILIZE: Every 2 months.
Information brought to you by Lawn Patio Barn.com.
The primary consideration in selecting a planter for your Croton Elaine should be the amount of space it needs for the roots of the plant to grow.
Many croton Elaine’s that are bought from nurseries are root bound which means not only does the plant have to adjust to a new home but also needs transplanting as soon as possible. These Technicolor plants have been grown outdoors in Florida and southern California for many years. Greenhouse growers gave crotons a makeover and selected varieties that adapted to low light. However today’s crotons are one of the most widely sold foliage plants, and because they are easily propagated in greenhouses, they are quite affordable as well.
The leaf color of the Croton Elaine is most vivid when plants get plenty of light. Crotons also have a high transpiration rate, so they need frequent watering. Efficient drainage is the key to any green thumb. Water that collects in the bottom of a container can be the kiss of death for almost all plants.
Make sure your plant containers have at least one large hole in the bottom. The more capacity the planter the more holes will be needed. Our guideline is the more holes the better. Place a coffee filter or some fiberglass screening inside the planter to cover up the holes. This will help prevent creating crannies to harbor beetles, slugs or any other destructive bugs.
If you wish to add a layer of broken clay flowerpots or rocks in the bottom of a planter to improve drainage it is up to you. I have even been known to sterilize some Styrofoam and place that in the bottom of a very large plant container to prevent the drain holes from being blocked.
Whenever a plant needs lots of water I recommend you water it from both the top and the bottom of the container. To do this I simply pour water into a tray or saucer, set the plant in it, an allow the plant too drink its fill for up to 30 minutes before emptying out any excess water. Never leave a pot sitting in standing water for more than 30 minutes. Although this might be a little more time consuming, bottom watering plants is often the best way to be certain that the lowest half of the root receives adequate moisture.
Most plants flourish when they are watered both from the top and the bottom because it helps to avoid the formation of dry pockets in the planter. Depending on where you place your planters, you may want to put a saucer under each container to hold water that drains from the pots.
We prefer saucers made of thicker material that stand up better to sunlight and to the rigors of moving planters from one place to another. Saucers are attractive and durable. We recommend a plant saucer to keep water from leaching through onto the deck wood.
The croton Elaine has longevity of several years to indefinitely if propagated correctly. Once you have chosen the right combination of planter and saucer to fit your foliage you will be ready to fill them with soil and enjoy starting on your way toward a bountiful harvest.
We recommend you visit Lawn Patio Barn.com for an exciting display of sturdy and stylish planters and saucers to choose from.
Statue Tree 
Posso plantar essa planta na frente de casa , para dar sombra?
Até que altura ela pode crescer?
O nome dessa planta chama Croton Elaine
Hi – I am really glad to find this. great job!
I saw curling on leaves of few plants of CROTON ELAINE – Codiaeum variegatum pictum.
It was observed first time in last 2-3 years. I thought it is due sucking insects growing on young shoots. Applied insecticides (Thiamethoxym, Dimethoate ) . New leaves still continue to show curling of leaves. Close observations on binacular microscope did not show ant feeding injury on leaves.
Is there any virus known to infect these plants?
Can you help by giving some suggestions to improve the plants.
good job folks. i really like this
I have this plant but now I only have a few leaves on it, the rest has fallen off & just can’t seem to get their swag back, any suggestions? I am going to change the dirt, I have Miracle Grow & plant food, I use rain water to water my flowers, please respond anyone.
Normally this is a house plant, but since it’s summer I would try placing the plant under a shade tree. Only water once a week if needed.
The oxygen outside might just revive it. To much change might kill it. You might want to add a teaspoon of plant food to one gallon of water.
Rain water is the best. Make sure the soil is dry before you water it. Too much water will kill this plant. Even thou it has colorful leaves and likes the sun I would not put it directly in contact with direct sunlight. In it’s fragile state it might burn it. Give it some fresh air and let me know what happens.
An elderly lady told me some years ago that the best cure for those sucking bugs on your croton is to wash the leaves with soapy water. It’s worked for me.
A question. Do crotons bloom?