While it is great news that your croton is doing well, the corresponding less-great news is that the odor you are detecting is almost certainly the croton. I’ve not heard it described as garlicky before, but crotons often have a scent that has been described as “old oranges.” I am not aware of any tricks to lessen the smell, so if it continues to be bothersome, it might be time for the croton to find a new home. Our friends at the University of Florida extension service have plenty of good advice when it comes to growing crotons: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/manatee/docs/pdfs/master-gardners/newsletters/February-2017.pdf
While it is great news that your croton is doing well, the corresponding less-great news is that the odor you are detecting is almost certainly the croton. I’ve not heard it described as garlicky before, but crotons often have a scent that has been described as “old oranges.” I am not aware of any tricks to lessen the smell, so if it continues to be bothersome, it might be time for the croton to find a new home. Our friends at the University of Florida extension service have plenty of good advice when it comes to growing crotons: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/manatee/docs/pdfs/master-gardners/newsletters/February-2017.pdf