Croton (Codiadeum variegatum), a perennial with woody stems and roots, features leathery, smooth-edged, oval- or lance-shaped leaves in bright colors. These colors are often combined in patterns involving blotching and striping, and sometimes the color changes as the plant ages. Native to Southeast Asia, Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, and northern Australia, crotons are most often grown as houseplants but can be brought outdoors for the summer. In warm climates, croton can also be planted in the landscape to be enjoyed year-round. In the wild, they grow as large shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall (in the home or garden, they stay much smaller).
Planting Croton
When choosing a container for your croton, keep in mind that the plant will grow upright, which eventually may cause it to become too heavy. Pick a container that won’t easily tip over when the croton gets larger. Or, plan to pot up to larger pots over time. Use a well-draining potting mix. Croton likes to be kept moist but not wet. In areas with warm, humid summers, croton can be grown outdoors as a unique and colorful landscape plant. They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground. When nighttime temperatures drop to around 50°F (10°C), croton will need to be taken indoors.
Where to Plant Croton
you can grow it outdoors. Croton needs sun but does not do well in the scorching sun, so choose a location with partial or dappled shade. Make sure the soil provides excellent drainage and has a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. If croton is getting too little light, its newer leaves will be less colorful.
Keep the soil evenly moist, but let it dry out between waterings.
Croton can be planted as a houseplant at any time of the year. To allow for growth, select a container about one-third larger than the plant’s root ball. Fill one-third of the pot with potting mix, then place the plant in the pot and backfill with potting mix to about one inch below the rim. Crotons enjoy being kept evenly moist during summer but need reduced watering during winter. Choose a well-draining potting mix, and do not overwater the plants, as that can lead to root rot. Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilizer
During the growing season in the spring and summer, feed your potted crotons with either slow-release pellets or liquid fertilizer every two weeks. In the winter, when the plant growth slows down, feeding the plant about once a month is sufficient.
Pests/Diseases
Croton plants are usually pest and disease-free, though they are susceptible to common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
