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Croton Mammy

Croton Mammy

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About This Plant

Croton Mammy (Codiaeum variegatum Mammy) is native to the tropical forests and open scrublands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In good light the dark red sections become richer and deeper. It grows upright and bushy, reaching 60 to 90 cm or taller indoors.

The twisted leaves and deep red colouring make it the most dramatic Croton. The Mammy is widely considered the boldest of the common Croton varieties. The combination of the large corkscrew-twisted leaves and the deep burgundy-red to orange-yellow colour range produces a plant that reads powerfully even from a distance.

Keep it away from pets and children. The ASPCA confirms Codiaeum variegatum is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The latex sap is a skin irritant and ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea. The large leaves produce more sap when cut or damaged than smaller Croton varieties. Wear gloves when pruning and keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

Choose its permanent spot before it arrives. Like all Crotons, the Mammy drops leaves when moved. The large leaves make this especially visible and the plant can look significantly bare after relocation. Find the brightest available south- or east-facing spot in your home and place it there permanently. Some initial leaf drop from shipping is normal and new leaves will grow. The Croton Banana needs the same stable bright placement.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward and the deep red colouring may lighten slightly as Canadian light levels drop. Keep it in your sunniest south-facing window. Maintain temperatures above 15 degrees C and do not move it.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA (Codiaeum variegatum). The latex sap contains skin irritants and diterpene esters. The Mammy produces substantial sap when its large leaves are cut or damaged. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Skin contact causes irritation. Keep out of reach of pets and small children. Always wear gloves when pruning.

Pests

Spider mites are the primary pest in dry Canadian homes, appearing as pale stippling on the colourful leaf surfaces and fine webbing on undersides. On the Mammy the stippling is most visible on the dark red leaf sections. Check both surfaces of the large leaves when watering.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Croton Gold Dust. Compact and spotted.

For a more compact Croton with bright yellow spotting on dark green rather than twisted bold leaves, the Croton Gold Dust suits smaller spaces and the same bright window conditions.

Croton Banana. Long and striped.

For a Croton with a very different long, narrow strap-shaped leaf in yellow, green and orange, the Croton Banana has an elongated form with bold colour striping.

Croton Sunshine. Broad and yellow.

For a Croton with broad, warm yellow-green leaves rather than the deep red of the Mammy, the Croton Sunshine brings saturated warm colour to a bright Canadian room.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Croton Mammy?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every seven to ten days in spring and summer and every ten to fourteen days in a Canadian winter. The large leaves use more water in summer than smaller Crotons. Never let it sit in standing water. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

Why is the red colour fading to green?

Fading red means not enough direct bright light. The deep red pigmentation in the Mammy is most intense in bright direct or strong indirect light. Move it to a south-facing window. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants for more.

Is the Croton Mammy toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Codiaeum variegatum is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The sap causes vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. The Mammy produces significant sap from its large leaves when cut. Keep it away from pets and always wear gloves when pruning.

Why are the large leaves dropping?

Leaf drop is the Mammy responding to being moved, cold drafts, temperatures below 15 degrees C, or overwatering. Being moved is the most common cause. Find the brightest permanent spot and leave it there. The large leaves make this drop more noticeable than on smaller Croton varieties but new growth will resume once conditions stabilize.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes, if kept stable and warm. Keep temperatures above 15 degrees C, away from cold glass and drafts, in your brightest window, and do not move it. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Good to Know

Sun: Direct to bright indirect

Needs strong bright light to keep the deep red colouring vivid. A south-facing window is best in a Canadian home. The red deepens and richens in direct or very bright indirect light. In lower light it fades toward green.

Light: Bright

A south-facing window is essential year-round. From October to February when Canadian daylight shortens, keep it in the absolute brightest spot available. The deep red colour intensity is a direct indicator of light adequacy through winter.

Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Water when the top inch feels dry. Every seven to ten days in spring and summer. The large leaves use more water in summer. Every ten to fourteen days in a Canadian winter as growth slows. Never let it sit in standing water.

Humidity: Moderate to high

Prefers moderate to high humidity. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes from November onward encourages spider mites and can trigger leaf drop. A pebble tray or humidifier nearby helps. Keep it away from direct heat from vents.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA (Codiaeum variegatum). The sap is a skin irritant and causes vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. The Mammy produces significant sap from its large leaves. Keep out of reach of pets and small children. Always wear gloves when pruning.

Pro Tip

The broad, twisted leaves of the Mammy accumulate dust faster than smaller plants and the texture of the twisted leaf surface holds it there. Dust reduces the leaf surface available for light absorption, which matters most in the short-day months of a Canadian winter.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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