'Mammy' croton guide
Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy', also called Mammy, curly croton
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright direct
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- High. Dry air browns the leaves and draws spider mites.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Rich, well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. The sap irritates the mouth, stomach, and skin.
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 60 cm to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings or air layering
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Mammy' croton different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the croton care guide.
What it is
‘Mammy’ is a compact croton with narrow, curled, twisted leaves in deep red, burgundy, orange, and green. It is darker and smaller than ‘Petra’.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Mammy’ | Narrow, curled, twisted, dark red | Twisted leaves |
| ‘Petra’ croton | Broad, flat, oval | Flat, wide leaves |
| ‘Zanzibar’ | Long, thin, ribbon-like | Grass-like leaves |
Care differences
Care is the same as any croton. It stays smaller, so it fits a tabletop. The deep reds come out in bright light.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil with warmth. Roots take four to six weeks.
Buying it
‘Mammy’ is common at garden centers. Look for dense plants with deep red color.