Croton
The loudest foliage in the houseplant world: leaves splashed with red, orange, yellow and green. It needs bright light to keep the colour and hates being moved, so choose its spot carefully.
A croton in good light is a firework. The colour comes from strong light, so the plant that was brilliant in the nursery goes greener the darker its new home is.
Its other trait is stubbornness. Move it, and it drops half its leaves. Put it in a bright spot away from drafts and leave it there.
Light
Bright light with several hours of gentle direct sun. An east window, or a south one a couple of feet back. The more light, the more colour. Hot afternoon sun through glass can scorch the leaves.
Water
Lightly moist in the growing season: water when the top inch is dry, about every six days in summer. Every ten days in winter. It wilts fast when dry and drops leaves when kept wet. Room-temperature water; cold water shocks it.
Soil and potting
A rich, well-draining potting mix. Repot every couple of years in spring, one size up.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Stem cuttings in spring, four to six inches, dipped in rooting hormone and kept warm and humid in damp mix. Wear gloves; the sap irritates skin.
In a hot, dry home
It wants humidity above forty-five percent and hates drafts, so it needs a spot away from AC vents, ideally grouped with other plants. Low humidity brings spider mites quickly. It is a plant for someone here who will run a humidifier in summer.
Croton varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Petra
Large oval leaves veined in yellow, orange and red. The classic.
- Gold Dust
Green leaves speckled with yellow. Tougher.
- Mammy
Twisted, curling narrow leaves in red, yellow and green.
- Picasso's Paintbrush
Very narrow, grass-like leaves splashed with colour.
- Sunny Star
Narrow green leaves with yellow centres.
- Iceton
Oval leaves that open yellow and mature to red and pink.
- Tamara
Cream-white leaves splashed with green and pink.
- Oak Leaf
Lobed, oak-shaped leaves in green, red and yellow.
Problems and fixes
Sudden leaf drop
Likely cause: A move, a draft, or a temperature swing
Fix: Put it in a stable bright spot and leave it. It regrows once settled.
Leaves going green
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to a brighter window.
Fine webbing and speckled leaves
Likely cause: Spider mites
Fix: Shower the plant, treat with insecticidal soap, raise humidity.
Wilting with dry soil
Likely cause: Thirst
Fix: Water thoroughly. It recovers within hours.
Croton questions
Is croton toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The sap causes vomiting and can irritate skin. Keep it away from pets.
Why is my croton dropping leaves?
Usually a change: it was moved, or a draft or cold snap hit it. Give it a stable, bright, warm spot and it recovers.
Why is my croton losing its colour?
Not enough light. The colours depend on bright light; move it closer to a window.
