Croton Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Codiaeum variegatum

Spurge Family

Small Shrub

The croton is one of the most unique and popular houseplants. It is particularly well suited to a sunny windowsill or conservatory, where its brightly colored foliage can be shown off most effectively. The plant is offered in a number of cultivated varieties--with leaf colors including pink, maroon, yellow, and green, and with leaf shapes ranging from broad and oval to long and pencil-thin. While the croton does put forth flowers when it gets enough light, it's best to clip off these ornamentally insignificant blossoms so the plant can devote its resources to the production of new leaves, and to maintaining its general vigor.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Direct sunlight (as provided by a southern, western, or eastern window) is preferred. Your croton will probably survive for a prolonged period in bright indirect or bright artificial light, but in all likelihood it will get leggy and less colorful.

WATERING: Wait till the soil surface is dry to the touch, then water the plant thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes. However, the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.

FEEDING: Feed only when the plant is actively growing. Use an all purpose houseplant fertilizer at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: To keep your croton as happy as possible, provide ample humidity (50% or more), especially in the dry winter months. High humidity also powerfully discourages spider mites, which are the croton's worst pest problem.