Question
Do you have any idea what this plant is? It was a birthday gift a few months ago and since then, it's grown to about 1.5 times its height with new leaves forming higher up. Some of the lower leaves have yellowed and broken off.

I'd be interested in knowing what it is and what I can do to keep it growing. I'm thinking it's probably time to move it to a larger pot, though I don't have a picture of its current size.

Also, what can you tell me about the forked guard leaves below? All the new leaves grow in single blade shapes, but at the bottom there are lots of peculiar shaped leaves with permanent yellowing. They don't break off like the old blade leaves do.

http://denver.yourhub.com/DENVERSOUTH/Stories/Pets/Strange-Unusual/Image.axd?ima... - here's the plant from back in August.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi John,

Thanks for the photo.

Your plant is called a Croton. Its botanical name is Codiaeum. Croton species come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors. Yours is a hybrid that has been bred to create the unusual shaped leaves. The shape and color of the leaves often change as they mature. In addition, in the absence of really strong light, new growth is more green than yellow/red.

Crotons do best when tightly potted and in a very sunny window. Water it thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry. Fertilize it monthly at half-strength.

If you find that the surface of the soil seems to dry out in less than 3 days, then it may be time to move it into a pot that is an inch wider and an inch deeper.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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