Croton

Crotons offer the indoor gardener bold colour, striking texture and mass. Colour is the Croton’s most prized and notable feature! The newest foliage is almost always a bright green and the more bold colours develop as the leaves mature and receive good strong light. The brighter the light, the better colour show you will get. If the foliage fails to develop its characteristic colors, try increasing the light level.

Light

This plant requires very bright light for 4 to 5 hours each day.

Water

Crotons need to be kept slightly damp and cannot be allowed to dry out during active growth. In winter, allow the soil to dry to the touch between waterings to prevent root damage. Too much water can make the leaves wilt and droop. It can also cause the stems to rot down toward the base of the plant.

Fertilizer

For optimum plant health, fertilize with an all-purpose houseplant food April through October, following label directions. For all other months, fertilize half as often.

Origin

Malaysia and East Pacific