Croton (Croton) or Codiaeum (Codiaeum) - a perennial evergreen with large variegated leaves.
About 15 species of this plant have been developed, which belong to the family of Molochain. Grows in nature up to 4 m in height.
The birthplace of evergreen shrub is Southeast Asia and the islands of the Pacific.
Croton (Codiaeum) Motley was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. In the process of selection from it brought a lot of varieties. Due to the bright color Codia fell in love with amateur gardeners.
Description
Croton Tamara can adequately wear the title of the best of all the Codiahs. He is good as a gift, especially a woman named Tamara. This flower brings happiness to the house, wealth, well-being and home comfort.
It has a beneficial effect on children, so placing a flower in the children's room is recommended.He sets up children to study, protects against negative energy and instills confidence.
Croton Tamara got this name thanks to a young Englishwoman. During her travels in Asia, the emperor fell in love with her. He was so impressed with her beauty and charm that he ordered his gardeners to bring out a sort of flower that would also be beautiful. A new species was named after Tamara Branch.
Grows up 90-150 cm tall and with a diameter of 30-40 cm It has strong leathery leaves of an interesting white-green color. May have yellow, purple, pink specks and blotches.
The leaves are elongated, with sharp twisting tips. White flowers, but at home practically does not bloom. Also, their beauty conquered the world and such types of Codiaum as: Ekselent and Peter.
A photo
Care
The flower is quite whimsical. In order for Croton to grow and develop well, you must adhere to the rules of care.
Temperature (thermal mode)
Plant capricious to changes in ambient temperature. therefore year round it is necessary to maintain the same temperature in the room - 18-22 degrees. In winter, make sure that the temperature is not below 17 degrees.
When the temperature drops, there is a high probability root diseases. Also does not tolerate drafts.
Watering
The flower loves moist soil. During the summer months frequent watering and in small portions. It is necessary to ensure that the water in the pan does not stagnate. In winter, watering is done. less often. To moisten the soil is used warm otstoyannaya water.
The soil
Young plant transplanted every spring.
Adult bush - every 2 years.
Soil mixture for planting can be purchased at a flower shop, but self-preparation will not yield to quality.
Mixed turf and leaf soil with sand in parts 1: 2: 1.
For the transplantation of an adult Codiaeum, one part of leafy ground is additionally added.
Light mode
Favorable bright, diffused light. Worth avoiding direct sunlight, this can cause foliage burns. Does not like dark places. The most successful place to place - windows facing east or south.
Air humidity
The room where Kodiahum Tamara is kept should be high humidity, 70-80%. In the summer months, daily spraying is necessary. In winter, spraying is less frequent, but wiping the leaves with a damp cloth should be frequent. He loves cleanliness and does not tolerate dust.
To maintain the humidity of the air around the flower on the pallet lay clay or peat, and put a pot with a flower on it. Periodically pour water into the pan.
This procedure will help to quickly adapt to new conditions.
Fertilizers (dressing)
In spring and summer, complex fertilizer is applied every week.
In winter, the soil is fed with mineral fertilizers. once a month.
Transplant (after purchase)
After the purchase, it is necessary to transplant the plant into a new earthen soil.
The land used for transportation is not suitable for continuous flower growth.
Pot for planting is better to use clay. Lay a layer of drainage at the bottom - expanded clay and a small layer of charcoal. Top earth is filled with earthy mixture.
Breeding
Reproduction is possible in two ways - cuttings and seeds. The second method is used by breeders for hybridization. The first method can be successfully used at home.
For breeding use apical cuttings. This procedure held in spring. A woody stalk is cut off about 12-16 cm and placed in a container with warm water with the addition of activated charcoal.
From the slice should go juice. After the stalk to blot with a paper napkin. The leaves on the handle, tie a soft thread. This will help preserve moisture.
Plant the stalk in a container with the prepared soil mixture and cover with a glass jar. Daily to spray and air it.
Pruning
Croton is cropped for breeding and giving the crown a well-groomed look.
At the site of the cut, new shoots will appear, so the bush will eventually become more magnificent.
Kodiyaum Tamara practically does not bloom at home.
If this happens, then it is worth knowing that the inflorescences take a lot of power from the plant.
The leaves become dull, so even the appeared flowers are cut off.
Bloom
Croton Tamara rarely blooms.
In order for flowers to appear, it is necessary strictly observe temperature, save from drafts, fertilize in time.
If you still managed to achieve flowering, then white flowers will appear every spring.
Lifespan
Codiaum is a perennial plant. With proper care, he will live 30-35 years.
Diseases and pests (Methods of treating diseases)
Flower very capricioustherefore, any change in conditions of detention may cause disease.
When in direct sunlight on the leaves burns occur. 
A lack of light affects the color of the leaves. It is necessary to choose the optimal place for the location of the bush, while often spray the leaves.
Abundant hydration soil causes root decay. In this case A transplant is required.
Carefully stretching the plant from the pot, substitute rhizome under running water.
Then cut the rotted parts of the root and plant in a new soil, adding wood ash.
When you are in a draft leaf fall
Pest control methods
In Croton Juice contains poison. For this reason, pest infestation rarely occurs. This can occur with dry air and insufficient spraying.
If gray tubercles appeared on the leaves and stem, it is safe to say that the plant is affected by the shield. Brown spots appear on the foliage, which grow over time.
Sheet dries and falls. Adult individuals of the shchitovka are removed with a moistened cotton pad. The whole plant needs to be processed several times. soap solution.
With the defeat of a spider mite, a thin web becomes noticeable, along which small red dots move. Cobwebs he envelops the underside of the sheet.
To destroy the pest, spray the shrub with soap and weak tobacco solution. In the event of heavy pest infestation systemic insecticides.
It is worth remembering that the juice of Codiauma is poisonous. Therefore, it is necessary keep away from children and animals.After contact with leaves or transplant plants wash hands with soap and water.
