Common Name: Croton

Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatum

-Care Recommendations By The Dude-

Best for These Animals: Small-to-moderate sized reptiles and amphibians.  Larger-sized animals may break off fragile leaves if they try to climb them.

Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, most TerraFirma

Soil Depth: Most soil depths okay with proper drainage.

Lighting: Medium to high.

Humidity & Misting: 40% to 80%, can take higher for brief periods.  If soil dries out for prolonged periods, crotons will wilt or drop leaves, and recovery times will be lengthy.

Mature Plant Size & Root System: Croton can grow to be large shrubs or trees, but can easily be pruned to maintain desired height. When mature, croton can form deep taproots, but in a terrarium setting, the roots will typically remain noninvasive.

Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: High temperature, so long is it is not directly under a heat source.  Can be used as a hardy groundcover if kept at a shorter height, or can be used as a taller background planting if allowed to mature.

Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: Being members of the family Euphorbiaceae, crotons contain a white, sticky sap that can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested. Ingestion may cause vomiting or worse.  However, these plants are typically used for ornamental, not edible, purposes, and animals do not typically eat them.

Pot Size & Packaging: A single 3" potted croton plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.