How to prune mammy croton

Spring, once temperatures are consistently warm. Cut leggy or bare stems back to just above a healthy leaf node using sharp, clean pruners. On young plants, pinch out soft stem tips between your fingers to encourage bushiness. Wipe sap off blades after cutting to prevent skin irritation.

Annually in spring; tip-pinch young plants through the growing season as needed. Mammy Croton benefits from pruning to keep its naturally compact, curly-leaved form dense and bushy. Prune in spring, removing up to one-third of any leggy stems. Always wear gloves — like all crotons, the milky white sap irritates skin and is toxic. Pinching out new growing tips promotes side branching on young plants.

Cut leggy or bare stems back to just above a healthy leaf node using sharp, clean pruners. On young plants, pinch out soft stem tips between your fingers to encourage bushiness. Wipe sap off blades after cutting to prevent skin irritation.