Croton AFD-5 25G

Croton AFD-5 – Codiaeum variegatum (25 Gallon Pot) available in Jupiter, FL.

Turn up the color in your garden with the Croton AFD-5 (Codiaeum variegatum), one of the most vibrant and visually striking tropical plants available for South Florida landscapes. This 25-gallon specimen features mature, bushy growth and bold foliage that bursts with electric hues of red, orange, yellow, and green—perfect for statement plantings, colorful borders, or adding instant impact to patios and entryways.

A member of the Euphorbiaceae family and the Magnoliopsida class, Croton AFD-5 is prized for its dense, leathery leaves and upright, shrubby growth. This cultivar is known for its reliable color patterns and resistance to fading under intense sunlight—a key trait for Florida’s subtropical heat and humidity.

Use it as a standalone focal point or incorporate it into tropical-themed beds alongside palms, ferns, and flowering perennials.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘AFD-5’

• Common Name: Croton AFD-5

• Family: Euphorbiaceae

• Class: Magnoliopsida

• Pot Size: 25 Gallon

• Mature Height: 4–6 feet

• Spread: 3–5 feet

• USDA Zones: 10–11

• Foliage: Multicolored (red, yellow, green, orange)

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, evergreen

• Toxicity: Leaves may be toxic if ingested; use caution with pets and children

Sunlight Needs:

Performs best in full sun to partial shade. In South Florida, it thrives with 4–6 hours of direct morning sun, with some protection from the harshest afternoon rays to prevent leaf burn.

Watering Requirements:

Moderate water needs. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. During South Florida’s rainy season, reduce frequency to avoid waterlogging.

Soil Preferences:

Prefers well-drained, rich, loamy soil with good organic content. Sandy soils are acceptable if amended with compost. Drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

Fertilization:

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and again in mid-summer to support bold foliage color and steady growth. Organic options such as compost tea or fish emulsion are also beneficial.

Pest & Disease Tips:

Generally pest-resistant, though occasional spider mites or scale insects may appear in dry conditions. Mist leaves occasionally or rinse with water to deter pests. Use horticultural oil or neem oil as needed.

Maintenance & Pruning:

Low maintenance. Prune lightly to shape or maintain size. Remove leggy or damaged growth in early spring. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Why It Works in South Florida:

• Thrives in heat, humidity, and bright light

• Provides year-round color and texture

• Ideal for tropical borders, poolside plantings, and entryways

• Tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for coastal landscapes

• Works beautifully in large pots or directly in the landscape

Jupiter Farms & Nursery