Growing Croton Plants (Pokok Puding) In My Garden

Croton plant is also known as Common Croton, Garden Croton or Variegated Croton (Pokok Puding, Puding Mas or Puding Merah in Malay). Its scientific name is Codiaeum Variegatum.

Croton is an evergreen shrub and is a tropical plant. It likes warm climate and the sunlight. It grows well in fertile soil with good drainage. Bad drainage or water logged soil will cause root rot and the leaves will drop. If the problem is not rectified, the plant will die. Croton needs regular watering but must have good drainage. It also needs light, regular fertilizer.

Croton has glossy variegated leaves with shades of red, orange, yellow, green, purple, pink and white. The more exposure to the sun, the more bright and striking the colours of the leaves.

As the plant matures, the leaves will change colour.

It can be grown as garden landscaping plant. In this case, space out the plants to give room for growth. Croton can be grown in pots as ornamental indoor or outdoor plant. If placed indoor, place it where it can get bright light because light affects the colour of the leaves. Croton is suitable as indoor plant for office and home.

If the plant grows too tall, it can be cut back or trimmed. The cutting can be used for propagation of new plants. For propagation, I will cut the cuttings to about 12 cm (4 to 5 inches), then remove the leaves near the base and stick the cuttings into garden soil in a small pot. I will then water the cuttings and keep them in a shady place till new growth appear. Then it can be moved to partial shade. After that when it is growing well, it can be re-potted into a bigger pot.

I have 2 pots of Croton. These were bought by my hubby because he likes the bright, variegated leaves. He said that these plants will add colours to my garden. I prefer to grow them in pots to make it easier for me to rearrange the plants around my garden and also for easier control of growth of the plant.

I was told that Croton bears flowers but so far I have not noticed any flowers yet. It could be that my Crotons are grown in pot but I will be watching out for the flowers.

Caution:

Croton plant is toxic. Keep Croton away from children and pets. the sap of the plant may cause irritation to skin. If the sap touches your hands, quickly wash the affected part. Another name for this plant is the Bush On Fire Crotons.

"... with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness

and the favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush.

Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,

on the brow of the prince among his brothers."

(Deuteronomy 33:16, New International Version-NIV)