Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Croton Codiaeum variegatum
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

protection, banishing

This distinctive plant has variegated foliage that comes in red, green, yellow, and orange splotches—all the colors of fall, in one plant, all year round. She’s a true beauty for those who love autumn! Handling this plant with care is important, as crotons emit a milky sap from their broken stems that can cause contact dermatitis. In fact, all parts of this plant are poisonous to people and pets.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Despite serious safety concerns, croton seeds are used for emptying and cleansing the stomach and intestines, for gallbladder problems, and for malaria. They are also applied to the skin for muscle and joint pain. That said, I would not advise using croton for these issues, especially since there are other plants that can serve the same functions and are much safer.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

If you are in need of a badass protector, this is your plant, Witches! She is most powerful when grown from a seed, as you can set intentions into the seed for who or what you want her to protect. If you can’t grow croton from seed, she is readily available for purchase, and you can set your intentions as you water your plant. I grow a few in my home and garden, and I keep some in spots my cats can’t get into, high up in the corners on shelves. I always keep a glass of water next to my croton plants to amplify the capture of negative energies and protection. Croton bounces back any ill will, evil eye, or curse that has been sent your way, as if it were marked “return to sender.” You can use croton sap to anoint candles for protection, banishing, and hex-breaking spells—it will give those spells a huge boost, but be careful and make sure to wear gloves.

PLANT WISDOM

Croton is the protective mother of the plant kingdom, so don’t mess with her babies! And never doubt that you are one of her children, for as a human you are a baby on this Earth, and she will protect you with all her might. Work with her for banishing and hexing or any other protective work. If you feel you’re having a string of bad luck and might be cursed or hexed, invite croton into your dreams. She will bring clarity to what is really going on, and may even show you images of who has sent negativity your way.