Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months to prevent over-saturation.
Ensure good drainage in the pot.
Also known as Laila Majnu · Picara · Sambhung Ḍârâ
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Chinese Croton (Excoecaria cochinchinensis) is a vibrant shrub with striking red and green foliage, popular for its ornamental appeal and low maintenance requirements.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Prefers consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged.
50% intensity
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Thrives in average to warm room temperatures.
50% intensity
Ideal range is between 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C.
Feed during the growing season.
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring to late summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Toxic if ingested or sap contacts skin.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months to prevent over-saturation.
Ensure good drainage in the pot.
Prune annually in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems. Pinch back tips to promote a more compact form.
This also helps to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Propagate from stem cuttings, typically taken in spring or summer. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots, cut sections about 10-15 cm long, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in moist, well-draining potting mix and keep warm.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish before the active growing season.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinese Croton (Excoecaria cochinchinensis)
Where Chinese Croton (Excoecaria cochinchinensis) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Excoecaria |
| Species | Excoecaria cochinchinensis |
Similar in genus Excoecaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
