Mystery Gift Plant Identified as Croton: Outdoor Planting in Phoenix?

Mystery Gift Plant Identified as Croton: Outdoor Planting in Phoenix?

A reader in Phoenix, AZ received a plant from a grandmother’s memorial. Aunt doesn’t know the type. Soil is salty/alkaline. Wants to plant outdoors.

Identification

The plant is a Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)—tropical, multicolored, waxy leaves.

Outdoor in Phoenix?

• In Florida, Crotons grow in ground in sandy soil.
• In Phoenix’s intense sun, plant in shade to avoid sunburn.
• Amend planting hole with peat moss (square bales) to acidify soil.
• Or keep in pot and bury the pot.

Care Notes

• Bright light indoors (1–4 feet from window).
• Heavy watering, high humidity (mist 1–2x/week).
• Soil moist always; leaves droop if too dry, edges wilt if too wet.
• Warm (up to 80°F).
• Toxic to pets and children.