This easy-care houseplant adds plenty of color to any space through its foliage.
In warm climates, croton can also be planted in the landscape to be enjoyed year-round.
All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets.
Credit: Denny Schrock
check that the soil provides excellent drainage and has a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
Single specimens add a splash of color to the back of aperennial flowerbed.
To allow for growth, select a container about one-third larger than the plant’s root ball.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Spring is the best time to plant croton in the landscape.
Whether it’s a container plant or an outdoor shrub, water it slowly and thoroughly after planting.
Croton Care Tips
Light
Indoors, find a sunny window for the plant.
Credit: Denny Schrock
If you are planting a croton outdoors, select aspot with dappled light.
Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burning and scorching, especially on the lighter-color varieties.
Soil and Water
Crotons enjoy being kept evenly moist during summer but need reduced watering during winter.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Choose a well-draining potting mix, anddo not overwaterthe plants, as that can lead to root rot.
Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Keep in mind that crotons are from tropical climates and will not tolerate cold temperatures.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Croton in the landscape only requires occasional fertilization in the spring and summer.
Cutting the stems back at the desired height encourages new growth.
Potting and Repotting Croton
Crotons willneed to be repotted occasionallywhen they outgrow their pots.
Choose just one pot size larger than the current pot and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Pests and Problems
Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Another problem with too-wet soil isfungus gnats, tiny flies that infest the potting mix.
Keep it moist but not soggy.
The variegation comes in an endless variety of patterns.
‘Petra’ croton
This selection ofCodiaeumis one of the most common varieties of croton.
It has large leaves with veins in reds, oranges, and yellows.
A common reason for croton defoliation is that that the plant is overwatered or underwatered.
If a croton houseplant is infested with bugs, they are usually brought in with the plant.
The most common bugs on croton include mealybugs, mites, scales, and thrips.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
“Croton.
“Pet Poison Helpline.
“North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
