Croton 'Gold'
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum var pictum 'Gold Dust'

Hi,

I have had a croton Gold Dust for 13 years, bought it as a tiny plant in a tiny pot years ago, and now it is two feet tall. It's done well except for when I transplanted it four years ago and it lost most of its lower leaves (which never grew back). I recently moved and it is now in a different window where it gets much more sun. My question is this:
The plant has developed 'spikes' covered in tiny green berry type balls at the end of almost every branch. It has never had these before. As far as I know this plant does not flower. What are these? Should I change how I care for the plant due to these spikes, and again, what are they?

Thanks.
Green Eyes

What it sounds like is crown gall. This is a picture of what it looks like:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EDISImagePage?imageID=901890403&dlNumber=EP106&tag=FIGURE%2018&credits=

Swollen, eventually corky, areas on stems and leaf veins. Can even cause swollen roots. Common where cuttings have been taken. Other pathogens can cause galling so an accurate disease diagnosis should be made to determine if A. tumefaciens is the cause of the problem.

If that is what it is, the only control is Destroy all plants found infected with this bacterium. Sterilize any cutting tools between plants when pruning or taking cuttings.

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Operational Manager at
Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Ames, Iowa