Euphorbiaceae
Banana Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Banana')
Codiaeum variegatum 'Banana'
A narrow-leaved croton that needs strong light. Place it near a bright window with a few hours of morning sun; in low light the yellow fades. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, never leaving water in the saucer. It likes warmth (18 to 27 °C, 65 to 80 °F), humidity above 50% and no cold drafts: below 13 °C (55 °F) it drops leaves. Some leaf drop after a move is normal; leave it in place for 3-4 weeks. Wear gloves when pruning.
Every 8 days
Bright indirect
13° - 27°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Banana Croton?
Banana Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Banana') is a medium-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Banana croton is a cultivar of croton (Codiaeum variegatum), in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), a species native to Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, northern Australia and the Pacific islands. Its leaves are long, narrow and wavy, shaped like bananas: glossy deep green with golden-yellow splashes...
Banana Croton grows up to 1.5m, spread of 90cm, watering every 8 days, 13°C – 27°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 16 days.
How to Care for Banana Croton?
TLDR: Banana Croton needs Bright indirect, watering every 8 days, and temperatures between 13-27°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Banana Croton?
Water when the top 2-3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry, about every 7-10 days in spring and summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Never let the pot stand in water.
How Much Light Does Banana Croton Need?
Strong light, 6 or more hours, with direct morning sun. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch; low light fades the yellow.
What Is the Best Soil for Banana Croton?
Rich, well-draining mix with peat or coir plus perlite or sand.
What Pot Should You Use for Banana Croton?
A pot with drainage holes, only slightly larger than the root ball. Move up when roots fill the pot, in spring.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 7 days
What Is Banana Croton and Where Does It Come From?
Banana croton is a cultivar of croton (Codiaeum variegatum), in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), a species native to Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, northern Australia and the Pacific islands. Its leaves are long, narrow and wavy, shaped like bananas: glossy deep green with golden-yellow splashes and bands that get brighter the more light they receive. It forms a dense, upright shrub that usually stays 60 to 90 cm tall indoors and can reach 1.5 m. It bears small, white, star-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. When cut it bleeds a milky sap that irritates skin and is toxic.
How to Propagate Banana Croton?
Tip cutting
Bottom heat speeds rooting. The sap irritates skin and eyes.
- 1 Wear gloves and cut a 10-15 cm tip with clean shears
- 2 Rinse the milky sap off the cut
- 3 Strip the lower leaves
- 4 Plant in light, moist mix
- 5 Cover with a plastic bag and keep warm and bright, out of direct sun, until it roots
Materials needed:
How Big Does Banana Croton Grow?
TLDR: Banana Croton can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Banana Croton?
TLDR: Banana Croton is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Cold Damage
Cold damage, also known as frost injury, occurs when plants are exposed to freezing or near-freezing temperatures. This environmental stress can cause cellular damage as ice crystals form within plant tissues, rupturing cells and disrupting normal plant functions. Chilling injury can also occur in sensitive species at temperatures between 32-55°F (0-10°C), even without actual freezing.
Low Humidity Stress
Low humidity stress occurs when indoor air becomes too dry, causing plants to lose moisture faster than they can absorb it through their roots. This is especially common during winter heating periods, near radiators and heating vents, or in air-conditioned spaces. Tropical plants are particularly susceptible to low humidity damage.
Fun Facts
The name comes from the leaf shape, long and curved like a banana.
There are hundreds of croton cultivars, each with its own leaf shape and color.
The more light it gets, the more yellow the leaves turn.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my banana croton dropping leaves?
Why is the yellow on the leaves fading?
Is banana croton toxic?
What is the fine webbing under the leaves?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
