Where to Plant Croton

If winters are mild enough, croton can be grown outdoors in the landscape. Croton needs sunlight but does not do well in scorching sun, so choose a location with partial or dappled shade.

The soil should have excellent drainage and a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.

Single croton plants can add a splash of color to the back of a perennial flowerbed. A row of crotons along a walkway, driveway, or pool can create an attractive, cheerful hedge or barrier.

Because crotons prefer dappled shade, they can also be planted in groups beneath palm trees.

How and When to Plant Croton

Croton can be planted as a houseplant at any time of year.

For container growing, choose a pot approximately one-third larger than the plant's root ball. Fill one-third of the container with potting mix, place the plant inside, and backfill with potting mix until about 1 inch below the rim.

Spring is the best time to plant croton outdoors. Select a site with excellent drainage and dig a hole at least twice as large as the root ball.

Backfill with the original soil and add mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Whether grown in a container or outdoors, water the plant slowly and thoroughly after planting.

Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.

Croton Care Tips

Light

Indoors, place croton near a sunny window. Although it can tolerate medium light, bright light is necessary to develop its most intense and vibrant colors.

Too much shade can cause the colors to become washed out and muted, while the leaves may become greener.

For outdoor planting, choose a location with dappled light. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burning and scorching, especially on varieties with lighter-colored foliage.

Soil and Water

Crotons prefer evenly moist soil during summer but require less water during winter.

Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Temperature and Humidity

Crotons prefer higher humidity. If grown in a dry environment, place the pot on a bed of pebbles with water just below the top of the rocks to increase humidity around the plant.

Because crotons come from tropical climates, they do not tolerate cold temperatures well. Keep them above 60°F whenever possible. Temperatures below this can cause leaf drop.

Fertilizer

During the growing season in spring and summer, feed potted crotons with slow-release fertilizer pellets or liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

During winter, when growth slows, feeding once a month is sufficient.

Crotons grown in the landscape generally require only occasional fertilization during spring and summer.

Pruning

Croton plants need only occasional pruning. Cut back the plant when it becomes too tall or remove bare stems.

Cutting stems back to the desired height encourages new growth. You can also remove the growing tips to encourage a bushier shape.

Potting and Repotting Croton

Crotons need occasional repotting when they outgrow their containers.

Choose a new pot only one size larger than the current container and fill it with well-draining potting mix.

Pests and Problems

Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot.

Excessively wet soil can also attract fungus gnats, which are small flies that infest the potting mix.

How to Propagate Croton

Croton is easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

1. Wear protective gloves and cut a stem approximately 3–4 inches long with 3–5 leaves.
2. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
3. Place the cutting in a 4-inch pot filled with damp potting mix.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Roots should develop in approximately one month when the temperature is between 70°F and 80°F.
6. Wait until the cutting shows vigorous new growth before transplanting it into a larger container.

Types of Croton

Croton plants are known for their colorful foliage, which can include shades of yellow, pink, orange, bronze, red, purple, and green.

Their leaves can display many different patterns. Some have brightly colored veins and margins against deep-green foliage, while others have spotted or speckled leaves. Some varieties emerge in one bright color and gradually change as the leaves mature.

'Petra' Croton

Codiaeum 'Petra' is one of the most common croton varieties. It has large leaves with veins in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

'Gold Dust' Croton

Codiaeum 'Gold Dust' is a smaller-leaf variety with deep-green leaves covered with gold-colored speckles. It develops a well-branched growth habit.

'Andrew' Croton

Codiaeum variegatum pictum 'Andrew' has a wavy, creamy-yellow band around the leaf margins and a two-tone gray-green center.

'Red Iceton' Croton

Codiaeum variegatum pictum 'Red Iceton' produces foliage that emerges yellow or chartreuse and gradually changes to gold with red coloration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the croton plant toxic?

All parts of the plant contain sticky sap that comes out when a leaf or stem is broken or cut. Wear protective gloves when handling croton plants.

Do all crotons have large leaves?

Most crotons have large leaves, but small-leaf and very narrow-leaf varieties are also available and can add attractive texture to a garden.

Why does my croton plant drop its leaves?

Overwatering or underwatering can cause leaf drop. Consistently low temperatures below 50°F or sudden temperature changes can also cause the plant to lose its leaves.

Do crotons attract bugs?

Croton pests are often introduced with an infested plant. Common pests include mealybugs, mites, scale insects, and thrips.