Description

Croton ‘Mamey’ (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mamey’) is prized for its bold, leathery leaves splashed and marbled with lime, yellow, orange, coral, red, and burgundy. New foliage often emerges green and intensifies in color with brighter light, giving the plant a dynamic, painterly look throughout the year.

Native to tropical Southeast Asia and the Pacific, crotons are evergreen shrubs in frost-free climates and popular statement houseplants elsewhere. ‘Mamey’ features broad, oblong to elliptical leaves with dramatic color contrast, making it a standout in modern interiors, patio containers, and tropical borders.

Suggested Uses

• Indoor focal plant for bright rooms, sunrooms, and offices.
• Showy patio or balcony container in warm seasons.
• Color anchor in tropical or subtropical borders (frost-free zones).
• Mixed planters with contrasting textures and foliage colors.
• Low hedge or specimen shrub in protected, warm microclimates.
• Cut foliage for bold, long-lasting floral arrangements.

Plant Details

• Botanical NameCodiaeum variegatum ‘Mamey’ (commonly marketed as Croton ‘Mamey’)
• Common NameCroton
• Size & GrowthOutdoors 3–6 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide; indoors typically 2–4 ft tall with good light.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 10–12; frost-sensitive. Protect below 55°F (13°C), ideal 65–85°F (18–29°C).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen, broadleaf, thick and leathery; highly variegated and colorful.
• Bloom TimeInconspicuous small flowers, occasionally in summer outdoors; rarely indoors.
• Growth RateModerate with warmth, bright light, and consistent moisture.
• Light RequirementsBright, indirect to filtered sun; 4–6 hrs bright light daily. Gradually acclimate to direct sun outdoors.
• Attracts PollinatorsNot notable; primarily grown for foliage (flowers are insignificant).
• Indoor FriendlyYes—thrives near bright east/south windows with high humidity and steady temperatures.
• Container FriendlyExcellent in containers; use well-drained mix and avoid oversized pots.
• Deer ResistantModerately deer-resistant due to bitter sap, but not deer-proof.
• Pet WarningToxic if ingested; sap may irritate skin. Keep away from pets and children; wear gloves when pruning.
• FragrantNo—grown for foliage color rather than fragrance.
• Cut FlowerNot for blooms, but leaves are excellent as cut foliage in arrangements.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Cordyline (Ti plant), Hibiscus, Schefflera, Dracaena, Alocasia, Caladium, Coleus, Ixora.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in late spring/summer when nights are warm. Set the root ball level with the soil line; space 24–36 in. Acclimate gradually to brighter light to avoid scorch.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist; water when the top 1–2 in. of soil are dry. Avoid waterlogging; never let it sit in saucers of water.
• Soil TypeRich, well-drained mix with peat/coir and perlite (or bark). Slightly acidic pH 6.0–6.5. Amend garden soil with organic matter for drainage.
• HumidityPrefers 50–70%+. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants. Avoid cold drafts and heat vents that dry air.
• Pruning InstructionsPinch tips to encourage branching; lightly prune leggy stems in spring. Wear gloves—sap can irritate. Clean tools to prevent disease spread.
• Winter CareKeep above 60°F (16°C), bright light, and reduce watering and feeding. Bring containers indoors before temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).
• Planting DepthPlant at the same depth as the nursery pot; do not bury stems. Maintain a shallow mulch layer, keeping mulch off the stem.
• FertilizationFeed every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength, or use a slow‑release formulation. Pause in fall–winter.
• Special CareRotate the pot monthly for even color; wipe leaves to remove dust; flush soil quarterly to prevent salt buildup; avoid frequent relocating to minimize leaf drop.