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Avatar for Shadegardener
Nov 17, 2015 5:28 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Cindy
Hobart, IN zone 5
aka CindyMzone5
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant Identifier
I received this houseplant from DD last week. She's had it for more than 10 years and between the cats and not knowing what this plant wants, she's given up on it. The leaves are narrow and non-serrated with a few random yellow/gold spots. The stem appears woody and there are a couple of new shoots towards the bottom of one of the stems. I'd sure like to know what it is and how to "renew" it. I'm thankful for any thoughts.
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Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we can't eat money. Cree proverb
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Nov 17, 2015 5:40 PM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Hi Cindy, it looks like a Croton (Codiaeum) to me but there are so many different cultivars on the market, I'd have no idea which one it might be.

~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


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Nov 17, 2015 5:46 PM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Also ... tell your DD to be careful with the plant around her cats. Codiaeum (Croton) contains toxins that are poisonous. Stems emit a latex/sap that can cause skin irritations to humans and animals and the leaves, bark, roots and sap/oil and seeds are all toxic to humans as well as cats and dogs.
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


Avatar for Shadegardener
Nov 18, 2015 9:05 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Cindy
Hobart, IN zone 5
aka CindyMzone5
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant Identifier
Thanks, Lin, for the ID. The leaves do look very similar to the croton pics. Obviously, the poor plant has suffered over the years as evidenced by the loss of leaves. Can the stems be cut back to encourage new growth?
Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we can't eat money. Cree proverb
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Nov 18, 2015 9:21 AM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Yes, it can be pruned back but I wouldn't advise pruning at this time of year; I'd wait until spring to do any major pruning of branches. Crotons are grown in the ground as landscape plants here in Florida where I live so I can't offer much advice on keeping one indoors as a houseplant. I'd be sure the pot it's in is large enough for the root system and use a well draining potting soil; keep the soil barely moist but do not let it get saturated or you will end up with root rot and the demise of the plant. Watering should be decreased during the winter months but you can keep the humidity high by sitting the pot on a tray of moist pebbles or by misting the plant. It needs a bright, warm location; preferably above 60ºF.
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


Avatar for Shadegardener
Nov 18, 2015 10:54 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Cindy
Hobart, IN zone 5
aka CindyMzone5
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant Identifier
I think I will repot it since it is in a pot without drainage but I don't think there's any rot. Will see if I get any new sprouts before pruning. Thanks!
Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we can't eat money. Cree proverb
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