Perfect Plants Croton ‘Mammy’ All Houseplants

The Croton Mammy (Codiaeum Variegatum) features brilliantly colored foliage that feels tropical and unique! It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor growing.

The Mammy Croton plant has multicolored leaves with hues of yellow, red, orange, purple, and green. The bright colorful leaves are unusual, sword shaped, with linear growth habits that lean towards the light. The leaves are evergreen and will stay colorful all year long as they spiral around the trunk. It is a smaller species of the popular Petra Croton variety.

Croton Red Mammy plant is suitable for growing indoors or outdoors. Growers in colder climates can keep it in containers and move Croton Mammy indoors for winter when temperatures drop below 55 F. You can keep crotons indoors as house plants all year long with the proper care. They fit into almost any room including kitchens, offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms & add the pop of color your home decor needs!

When hardy enough to be grown outdoors in USDA growing zones 9-11, they look incredible when planted in garden beds as accent plants, incorporated into hedges, or planted into containers where the vibrant color can be seen.

CROTON MAMMY CARE

The Crotons houseplants do need fertilizer annually that is applied in early spring and summer to help with growth and boost the beautiful colors that shine through the veiney leaves. It is not recommended to fertilize during fall and winter.

Croton watering is essential to keep the soil moist. Well draining soil is a must for these slow growing plants. If you are growing crotons in a pot, a drainage hole is necessary to avoid root rot. Water roughly once a week or whenever the potting soil feels dry to touch. Your watering schedule will vary depending on soil moisture, humidity, and temperatures.

There are no major Mammy Croton plant pest and disease issues and it is deer resistant.

How Much Sun Does a Croton Plant Need?

Crotons need a lot of bright sunlight. They are tropical plants native to India and require bright, direct light to thrive in warm, humid environments. A south or east facing window is best with plenty of full sun. If you are growing crotons outdoors, it can be in direct sunlight but harsh afternoon sun may scorch the leaves. They are not as sensitive as most and will grow towards the light wherever you plant them. Partial shade is best in hotter climates. The #1 sign your croton plant is not getting even sunlight is leaf drop.

How Big do Crotons Get?

The Mamey Croton height is up to 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It can be contained by regular pruning and shaped to any desired size. It’s perfect for growing in pots or small spaces in the garden. Mammy Croton spacing should be at least 1-2 feet apart to allow the root systems to grow to their fullest potential.

How to a Prune Croton Bush

It is not necessary to practice pruning on crotons unless it has become unruly and needs a trim. You can prune crotons at any time of the year but the very best time is in early spring before the active growing season begins. When pruning, be wary of the sap that leaks out of any pruning cuts. It can cause skin irritation. You may prune back dead leaves at any time to encourage new growth. Small pruning shears or scissors are your best tools for this practice.

*Disclaimer: Croton plants and cats do not mix well. Croton leaves are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets so be sure to keep away and do not allow them to ingest any part of the potted plant.

Shop the Mammy Croton for sale for an indoor and outdoor shrub of all seasons that attracts visual attention.