Yellow Variegated Campfire Croton

Description

The Yellow Variegated Campfire Croton is a smaller plant and a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Its small, narrow and slightly twisted leaves are streaked with green, yellow, orange and red in some cases on the same leaf and in mature specimens the leaf pattern resembles tiny flames, hence its common names, Fire Croton and Campfire Croton. Where most houseplants are selected because of the blooms they offer, the most crops are chosen primarily for the interesting colorations that they maintain through much of the year.

Use this Fire Croton for adding some colour contrast to an easily illuminated space, or on your balcony, patio or flowerbed when the weather is fine. Inside, the croton prefers an east-facing or west-facing window to brighten your room for at least half the day because the brightness is crucial for its coloration. Outdoors, in most Indian conditions, the morning sun and some afternoon shade will serve it fine, but don’t push it into dark corners as the leaves often revert back to green when left in shade for a long period.

A good choice for an amateur gardener wanting colour without resorting to flowers, the Campfire Croton is one of the easier of its kind, although you can’t neglect it – regular light and a consistent amount of water is necessary for it to truly flourish in its spot, be that a sunny windowsill, desk or study. The pot in which the Croton arrives is intended for after care; you’ll want to move it to a marginally bigger container and use some new soil when the roots start to pack out its current one.

Key features

• Leaves show a natural mix of yellow, orange, red and green colour in narrow, curled shapes.
• Largely cultivated for its showy leaf color and not for flowers as well to provide the eye with extended time to examine.
• Compact size at this stage makes it easy to place on a desk, shelf or windowsill.
• This is also an ideal houseplant or balcony and patio plant for sun-loving people in warmer areas.
• Leaf colour intensifies with more light, so it responds visibly to placement.
• Reasonably comfortable in a normal Indian home, not subjected to cold drafts.
• Makes a distinctive gifting option for someone who already enjoys foliage plants.
• Sap from leaves and stem is also toxic, thus keeping them away from the reach of children and pets who are prone to chewing plants.

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 × Live Yellow Variegated Campfire Croton plant
• 1 × Nursery pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• Your plant's colour, size and proportion of orange, yellow and red will vary slightly to one that the product pictures because it is a live plant and not a photograph.
• A little leaf loss and or wilting after arrival is to be expected. They have travelled and need a day or two to recover in their new location and plump back up!
• Don't plunge directly into intense sunlight immediately after opening - accustomed to strong bright indirect rays for a few days.
• The leaves can return to green if they have remained for some time in a dark corner, but if brought out into more light they return to colour as it was.
• Since growth slows in winter, limit the frequency of watering when it’s colder outside.
• Sap is toxic if eaten and a skin irritant, wash hands when finished, keep plants out of reach of any pets or children who like to nibble plants.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are the leaves going yellow/dropping off since receiving the plant?

A: A bit of leaf drop or yellowing is quite normal for the first week as the plant gets accustomed to a change of environment and stress of travelling. Continue to keep it in a bright spot, give it bright indirect light and don’t move it about too much. They typically settle down in one to two weeks. Only water when the top of the soil starts to feel dry.

Q: When do I water my croton plant?

A: Instead of following a croton watering schedule, insert your finger into the top 1 inch (2 to 3cm) of your soil to see if the soil is dry. Your croton can easily die as well from overwatering which will rot its roots.

Q: Can this Campfire Croton live indoors year-round?

A: Yes, that’s fine – as long as it is somewhere with a few hours of sun a day (near a big window will do!). It won’t get enough light indoors, the pretty leaves will fade to green slowly, and your plant will stop growing.

Q: So what amount of sun do they actually require? 

A: I feel that bright light with an hour or two of filtered or direct sun every day is ideal for them. Too strong mid day sun during the peak summer may cause scorching and it is better if filtered light or early morning sun falls on them in most parts of India.

Q: How fast will it grow? When should I repot it?

A: The plant grows very slowly indoors to moderately. You need to repot when roots begin growing from the drainage hole or if the plant seems to be taking up its pot – normally one or two times a year, with a very draining potting soil mix.

Q: Will this plant hurt my pets?

A: No. Crotons can be harmful if chewed or eaten and can be toxic if ingested, causing stomach irritation to humans and animals alike. If your pets or child ate a part of your plant, immediately go to a vet.