Croton Care

These colorful plants are easy to care for, once you know what they like. Their leaves come in different colors, shapes and sizes, but they all have the same care needs.

Light – Moderate to bright, indirect light. Crotons tend to do poorly in low light conditions and their vibrant colors will fade. Do not expose to direct sunlight, which can result in leaf scorch.

Water – Thoroughly water once the top 2 to 3 inches is dry but do not let Crotons fully dry out.

Soil – Moist, well-draining soil is preferred. If your soil is drying out too quickly, water more frequently or add vermiculite to increase water retention

Temperature – Temperature is the most important factor in Croton care. They prefer temperatures between 60° and 80°. Do not expose them to temperatures below 55° degrees and protect them from drafts. Sudden temperature fluctuations can result in leaf drop and plant decline so keep the temperature stable.

Humidity – While Crotons find average home humidity levels acceptable, they do better in higher humidity. A nearby humidifier or tray of water and pebbles are easy ways to increase the humidity.

Fertilization – Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer, such as Dynamite, to provide long-term feeding throughout the growing season.

Size – Indoor Crotons average 2 to 3 feet tall.

Repotting – Repot every 1 to 2 years as needed. Select a container with good drainage and no more than two sizes larger than its current pot.

Propagation – Easily propagated via stem cuttings.

Toxicity – Moderately toxic to people and pets if ingested. Sap can cause skin irritation.