Chinese Croton
Excoecaria cochinchinensis
Chinese Croton is a striking tropical shrub grown for its bi-colored foliage featuring glossy green tops and vivid, deep crimson undersides. This plant adds a bold splash of color to indoor spaces and is often grown as an ornamental hedge in warmer climates. Give it bright, indirect light, higher humidity, and a planter that lets excess water drain freely.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
The plant produces a milky latex sap that is highly toxic and caustic. It causes severe skin irritation (dermatitis) and is dangerous if it enters the eyes, earning it the common name 'Blindness Tree.' Keep strictly out of reach of children and pets.
Care Notes
Light
To maintain the intense red color of the leaf undersides, place your Chinese Croton in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some morning sun, but harsh afternoon rays can cause leaf scorch.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of the potting medium feels dry. Use a planter with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep a warm environment between 60°F and 85°F (15-29°C). This plant requires high humidity. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or regular misting to prevent leaf drop and crisping edges.
Maintenance
Prune occasionally to maintain a bushy growth habit.
Safety Warning
Always wear gloves and eye protection when pruning. This plant belongs to the Euphorbia family and contains a milky white latex sap that is highly caustic to skin and can cause temporary blindness if it contacts the eyes.
Common Pests
Keep an eye out for spider mites and mealybugs, which are common for this species in dry indoor air. Increasing humidity can help deter these pests.
Soil and Planter
Use Rich, well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Choose a planter with drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Common Issues
Brown edges often point to dry soil or low humidity. Yellowing can follow waterlogged soil, so check moisture and drainage before watering again.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Rich, well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3-5 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem-tip cuttings taken in spring or early summer.
Common Varieties
Firestorm
Narrow, lanceolate leaves with a marbled upper surface of cream, olive green, and pink highlights, set against a bright, solid crimson underside.
Tricolor
Lance-shaped leaves with a striking contrast between their mottled green, cream, and pink upper surfaces and their solid, bright crimson undersides.