Harris's lasiocroton Plant Care

Harris's lasiocroton (Lasiocroton harrisii) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Lasiocroton genus. Harris's lasiocroton is native to Jamaica and grows in thickets on limestone hills in a narrow altitudinal band. Harris's lasiocroton is also known as Woolly croton.

Harris's lasiocroton displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Harris's lasiocroton produces small greenish flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Harris's lasiocroton every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Harris's lasiocroton thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Harris's lasiocroton in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Lasiocroton harrisii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Harris's lasiocroton prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Harris's lasiocroton to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Harris's lasiocroton every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Harris's lasiocroton is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Harris's lasiocroton can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Harris's lasiocroton while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Harris's lasiocroton is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Harris's lasiocroton can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fawcett's croton plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Harris's lasiocroton is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Harris's lasiocroton grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Harris's lasiocroton is native to Jamaica and grows in thickets on limestone hills in a narrow altitudinal band. In cooler regions, grow Harris's lasiocroton as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.