Photo: Louise Wolff --darina 23:22, 6 May 2005 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Croton: when and how to prune
Codiaeum variegatum
Croton is best pruned in March–April.
| Pruning months | March–April |
|---|---|
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Croton: when to prune it?
Pruning is not needed, but in March or April you can cut back a plant that is too large or leggy. It will then shoot again below the cut.
Croton: how to prune it?
- Wear gloves and cut with clean, sharp secateurs just above a leaf or bud.
- Shorten stems that are too long or bare by a third to a half; the plant branches again below the cut.
- The sap stops sooner if you wet the wound with lukewarm water or dust it with a little charcoal powder.
- Use the shoot tips you cut off as cuttings.
- Remove the inconspicuous flower spikes so the plant puts its energy into new leaves.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–April.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: The milky sap irritates skin and eyes: wash your hands after pruning and do not rub your eyes. Croton is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.