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A variegated croton plant with long, squiggly green leaves that are orange, yellow, and red.

Croton

SCENTIFIC NAME: Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy'

KNOWN AS: Fire Croton, Garden Croton, Variegated Croton, Joseph's Coat

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Asia | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: This croton is a beautiful plant that has a lot of color. The leaves are long and squiggly and they are green, yellow, orange, and red.

Moderate difficulty & pet toxic

Croton Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Croton plants do best in bright, indirect light conditions, which can be obtained from a west or east-facing window. Croton plants can tolerant low light conditions, but won't receive much new growth. If you decide to place your croton in low light conditions, be sure to reduce how throughly you water your plant. LED grow lights are excellent choices to emulate natural light if needed.

Lighting Recommendations

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White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
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A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
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A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Croton plants require a consistent watering schedule to thrive indoors. These plants prefer well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist but not soaked. It's important to avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to wilt and snap off. Water your croton plant once every one to two weeks, depending on the size of the plant and the conditions in your home. Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle; if the soil feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. With the right watering techniques, you can help your indoor croton thrive and show off its vibrant, colorful leaves.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

Croton plants prefer warmer temperatures and do best indoors in temperature-controlled environments. They thrive in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) but prefer temperatures closer to the higher end of this range, as it's closer to their natural environment. It's important to keep the temperature consistent and avoid sudden drops or fluctuations, which can cause stress and damage to the plant. Additionally, avoid placing croton plants near cold drafts or air conditioning vents, as this can also cause temperature fluctuations or drying out of the plant itself. Overall, maintaining a warm and consistent temperature is key for the health and growth of the croton.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Croton thrives in high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60% humidity in the air. One of the most effective ways to maintain optimal humidity is to use a humidifier. You can also place a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture levels. It's crucial to note that croton plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and drafts, as they are not adapted for this from their native environments, which can cause their leaves to fall off, so it's important to keep them in a warm and draft-free area. Additionally, misting the plant regularly can also help to maintain its humidity levels. Finally, it's important to ensure that your croton plant is not overwatered or underwatered as both conditions can affect its overall health and cause stress.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Croton plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and cut it just below a node, be sure you use clean scissors or shears. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in moist soil or water until roots develop. Once the cutting has established roots, repot it into its own pot with fresh soil and water thoroughly. Keep the new plants in a warm, bright, and humid environment until the roots become established. Croton plants can also be propagated through air layering, which involves creating a small cut on a stem and surrounding it with damp moss and plastic wrap until roots develop. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut and potted as a new plant.
Toxicity
Croton plants are known for their striking and colorful foliage. However, it is important to note that these plants can be toxic to both humans and animals, so keep away. The sap of the croton plant contains a poisonous substance called croton oil, which can cause skin irritation, burning sensations, and blistering upon contact. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, croton poisoning can lead to liver and kidney damage, respiratory distress, and even death. It is important to handle croton plants with caution and keep them away from children and pets. If you suspect someone has ingested or come into contact with croton plant sap, seek medical attention immediately.
Repotting
Croton plants are sensitive to changes in their environment, especially being repotted. The best time to repot a croton plant is in the spring or early summer when it is actively growing. To repot a croton plant, first, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil mix. Next, carefully remove the croton from its current pot, being sure to keep the root ball intact. If the roots are tightly wound around the root ball, gently loosen them. Place the croton in the new pot and fill in around the root ball with soil mix, gently pressing the soil down. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a warm, moist location with bright, indirect light.
Pruning
Pruning croton plants is essential to maintain their compactness, shape, and health. The best time to prune your croton plant is in the spring, just before the new growth appears. To prune, use a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears, and cut back any overgrown or leggy stems to just above a healthy leaf node or bud. Be sure to cut at an angle, and make sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves, as well as any branches that cross or can cause friction. Regular pruning will promote bushier growth and more vibrant foliage!
Fertilizing
Croton plants require regular fertilization during their growing season to promote healthy foliage and vibrant colors. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable for croton plants. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, which typically falls between late spring and early fall. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before applying it to the soil to avoid burning the plant's roots. You can use slow-release fertilizers that slowly release nutrients over time. Follow the package instructions when applying slow-release fertilizers. Do not fertilize croton plants during the dormant season, which is typically during the winter months.
Soil
Croton plants prefer well-draining soil with a mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss. A good quality potting mix with a balanced pH is also ideal. It's important to ensure that the soil is not soaked, as this can lead to root rot. Crotons thrive in slightly acidic soil, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. It's recommended to repot croton plants annually or when the roots start to become pot-bound.

Hanging Heights

Croton Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Croton

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 48"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Croton

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 60"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 36"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Croton

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 66"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 48"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Croton

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Croton

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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