Crotons have some of the boldest and brightest foliage around. With vivid yellow, orange, red, and pink leaves, these exotic plants have a reputation for being high-maintenance. But they’re actually pretty easy to care for!
Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, they can grow quickly in good conditions (lots of light and damp soil). Without pruning, crotons can grow to three or four feet high in just a few years indoors.
Plant Care
Water – the croton is a tropical plant so it favors a warm, humid environment. The soil should remain moist, but not soaking wet. In a dry environment, the croton may require misting to maintain healthy leaf growth.
Watering croton plants can be a delicate science. They require frequent watering, but be sure not to over-water. Too much water can cause root rot, but too little water can dry the plant out. You can use foliage as an indicator – leaves will begin to wilt when thirsty 👍🏼
Light – these guys prefer full sun, but depending on the species, some can tolerate partial shade. The amount of sun that the plant receives will correlate to the intensity of its color. In order to attain full, vibrant color, the plant should remain in full sunlight.
Temp & Humidity – Keep the room above 60 degrees, and do not expose the plant to cold drafts. Humidity, along with the lack of bright light, affects the color of the leaves. If the humidity isn’t high enough, the plant may drop some of its leaves. If you have trouble maintaining the moisture in your home at this level, run a humidifier in the room or set a humidity tray beneath the plant and group it with other plants.
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