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Croton “Mrs Iceton” is an upright plant with thick leathery leaves that vary widely in colour, shape and size.
Latin name
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mrs Iceton’
Pronunciation
(“ko-dee-AY-umm ver-ree-GAH-tum”)
Common name
Croton “Mrs Iceton”
Origin
Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tropical parts of Australia
Typical leaves are shades of yellow, pink and red which may appear in distinctly coloured veins or as spots and blotches. This is a plant from the warm, humid tropics and must be kept in warm conditions (no lower than 15C, otherwise the leaves may turn brown and fall off).
Also known as Codiaeum variegatum, this plant can grow up over a metre in height and in the tropics it is often used as a hedge.
The variety ‘Mrs Iceton’ has beautiful shades of pastel pink and yellow on its leaves and is certainly eye-catching.
Croton ‘Mrs Iceton’ contains irritating sap and is toxic if eaten, causing mouth irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, and it can also irritate skin on contact.
caring for your plant
Light
Good light is required to maintain the foliage colour. This plant will tolerate direct sunlight, so is good for heated conservatories.
Watering
Keep the soil moist, but not wet. It will tolerate less water during cooler and darker months. It will tolerate dry atmospheres, but does best in slightly more humid conditions. The plant benefits from misting with tepid water.
Pruning
Prune to keep an attractive shape. Removing the top of the plant (or ends of most stems) will encourage branching. Be aware that the sap can be irritating to the skin, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. It is a good idea to wear protective gloves when pruning this plant.
Feeding
Dilute fertilizer should be added to the water at every watering.
pest & diseases
Prone to mealybugs, scale insects and two-spotted spider mite. Infestations should be physically removed when seen. Mites can be deterred by regular misting of the foliage or by keeping the plant in a humid environment, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Where the Codiaeum variegatum originates from
This species originates in the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tropical parts of Australia
Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.
According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.
Find out more about Ecoponic here.
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