How to Care for a Croton Plant

Crotons (also known as rushfoil and Joseph's coat) are tropical plants with bright, vibrant, and multicolored leaves. They can be grown outdoors in warm and humid climates, but otherwise, it's best to grow them as houseplants or seasonal additions to your landscape. Crotons can be difficult to grow because they have very specific requirements when it comes to light, water, temperature, and humidity, and because they don't like to be moved. The trick with growing these plants is to find an ideal location where the plant will thrive, and to avoid moving it.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Location

PDF download Download Article
  1. Crotons like lots of water, but they don't do well in soggy or wet soil. To ensure the pot provides proper drainage, look for a container that has drainage holes in the bottom. When choosing a container size, look for a container that's about â…“ larger than the plant's root ball.
    • If you live in hardiness zones 10 and 11, such as southern Florida, you can skip the container if you want to plant the croton directly into the garden.
    • To find your hardiness zone, you can look up a hardiness zone finder online.
  2. Crotons need lots of bright sun to maintain their colorful leaves, but they can burn in excessively hot, harsh light if exposed all day. The ideal location is an east- or west-facing window that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sun every day. [1]
    • Crotons that get too much direct sunlight may end up with scorched leaves.
    Advertisement
  3. Crotons will not tolerate drafty air, especially if it's cold air. Choose a location that's far from drafty doors and windows, vents and air returns, ceiling fans, and anywhere else that it might be subject to air currents. [2]
  4. Once you've found a location where the croton is happy, avoid moving it at all costs. Crotons don't respond well to shock, which includes being moved. Don't be surprised if your croton drops a number of its leaves after you move it. [3]
  5. Crotons can be planted outdoors in hardiness zones 10 and 11, which includes places like southern Florida. [4] To plant outside, choose a location with lots of indirect sun, such as under a tree that provides partial shade. Aim to move the plant outside in mid to late spring to minimize shock to the plant.
    • A croton will not likely survive in cooler climates where the temperature gets lower than 40 °F (4 °C). [5] If the winter temperatures in your area drop below this, you can transplant the croton back to a container and bring it inside for winter, or treat the croton as an annual and let it die over the winter.
    • If you do move your croton inside and outside depending on the season, be prepared for the leaves to drop.
    • The ideal soil for crotons is a rich and well-draining soil that's full of nutrients. To enrich your soil and improve drainage, amend it with aged compost before planting.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Growing a Healthy Croton

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use lukewarm water to avoid shock to the roots, and water when the top ½ inch (13 mm) of soil dries out. Stick your finger into the soil, and if the top feels dry, it's time to water. Continue watering until the excess flows out the holes in the bottom of the pot. [6]
    • These tropical plants love plenty of water, but it's important to have moist, damp soil rather than soggy or wet soil.
    • During dormancy periods in late fall and winter, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm). [7]
  2. Crotons are native to tropical areas, and they won't thrive in temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C). The ideal temperature for these plants is between 70 and 80 °F (21 and 27 °C) during the daytime, and 65 °F (18 °C) at night. [8]
    • It is possible to grow crotons outdoors, but only in warm climates with high humidity levels. If you live in a cooler or drier climate, grow your croton inside where you can control the environment.
  3. The ideal humidity range for crotons is between 40 and 80 percent, with the optimal level being around 70 percent. You can achieve this by misting the leaves every 1 to 2 days, or by growing the plant in a bathroom that's used often for showers and baths. [9]
    • Another way to generate humidity for the plant is to place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles that are covered in water. Replace the water as necessary to keep the pebbles wet. [10]
    • To measure the humidity around the croton, you can use a device called a hygrometer. These are available at home, garden, and department stores.
  4. Crotons need lots of nutrients to grow their colorful leaves. During active growing periods in spring, summer, and early fall, feed the plant every month by adding a liquid or powder fertilizer to the water before watering.
    • The best fertilizer for crotons is one that's high in nitrogen and potassium, such as an 8-2-10 mix, because these chemicals help plants grow strong stems and leaves. The numbers refer to the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer.
    • Don't feed the plant during dormancy periods during the late fall and winter months. [11]
  5. Choose a pot that's 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) larger than the current pot. Look for a pot with plenty of drainage holes. Fill the pot halfway with a rich potting soil. Carefully remove the croton from the original pot and place it gently into the new one. Cover the roots with additional potting soil and water to set the soil in place.
    • Repotting a croton can result in leaf drop, but you can minimize shock to the plant by only repotting in mid or late spring. [12]
    • Instead of potting soil, you can also use a half-and-half mixture of peat moss and aged compost. [13]
  6. Some species of crotons can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 m), and you can limit their growth by maintaining the same container size. When you want the plant to stop growing, repot it in spring into a pot that's the same size.
    • Instead of repotting the plant, you can also top dress it to keep it healthy. Remove the top 3 inches (7.6 cm) of soil each spring and replace it with fresh potting soil. [14]
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Common Problems

PDF download Download Article
  1. Underwatering is a common problem with crotons, and they'll start to drop their leaves if they don't get enough. Inspect the dropped leaves for browning on the tips and general dryness. Provide the plant with more water and start misting the leaves more often to correct the problem. [15]
  2. Although crotons love moist soil, it is possible to water them too much. Wilting leaves are a sign of overwatering, and you can correct the problem by cutting back. Only water when the top ½ inch (13 mm) of the soil becomes dry, and never leave the croton sitting in soggy soil. [16]
    • Always choose a pot with good drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
  3. If the plant starts to drop its leaves and it's not because of underwatering, inspect the leaf edges for browning. This is an indication that the plant is being exposed to cold temperatures or a cool draft. Move the plant to a warmer location, or away from fans, vents, and other draft sources. [17]
  4. The most distinct thing about crotons is their vibrant foliage, and the plant requires lots of sunlight to produce these bright colors. If the leaves start to lose their color, or if new leaf growth is a dull green, move the plant to a sunnier location. [18]
    • Crotons need about 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day to maintain their health and colors.
  5. Gray patches on the leaves indicate that the plant is getting too much hot, direct sun. You can move the plant to a window that gets less direct sun, or install a shade cloth to protect it from the harshest UV rays. [19]
  6. Signs of a spider mite infestation include yellow or brown spots on the leaves, pale or dull colors, and whitish webbing. Fill a small bowl with warm water and stir in a teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid dish or hand soap. Use a clean cloth to gently wash the tops and bottoms of the leaves with the solution. Leave the plant for about 10 minutes, and then wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. [20]
    • Repeat every few days as necessary until the mites are gone.
    • Alternatively, blast the plants with a sharp stream of water once a week to control infestation.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have 3 crotons. If I move them indoors, what size grow lights should I use if direct sunlight would be limited?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    The size of the light depends upon how large your plants are. The most important thing is to make sure you get a full-spectrum fluorescent or compact-fluorescent bulb.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 10
  • Question
    What should I do when my croton plant suddenly stops growing?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    Add fertilizer to the watering water every 8 to 15 days.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
  • Question
    How do I prune a mother and daughter croton that is only growing at the top of the wooded stem?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    The less you prune a croton, the more it will grow. You should prune the plant only if it loses many leaves after the winter.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • While care instructions for different varieties of croton are similar, it can be helpful to check for specifics based on the specific variety. For example, if you have the very popular croton petra variety, you could check specific care instructions for croton petra plants.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Crotons don't often need pruning, except to remove dead leaves and branches. Wear gloves when pruning to protect your hands from irritation caused by the sap.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • Some species of crotons can be toxic to humans and pets, especially the sap. Keep children and animals away from these plants.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
      • If your plant becomes leggy or spindly, prune off a third of the branches one year. When new growth starts the following year, remove another third of branches until you've reached the desired growth habit.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Plant a Tree
      How to
      Grow an Oak Tree from an Acorn
      How to
      Prune Pomegranate Trees
      How to
      Grow a Coconut Tree
      How to
      Prune a Pear Tree
      The Complete Guide to Pruning Ficus Trees
      How to
      Trim Oak Trees
      How to
      Prune an Apple Tree to Grow Better Fruit
      How to
      Grow a Sandalwood Tree
      How and When to Prune Your Lemon Tree
      When and How to Prune an Olive Tree: Your Questions, Answered
      How to
      Care for a Lemon Tree
      How to
      Prune an Avocado Tree in a Pot
      How to
      Grow a Maple Tree from Seed: A Germination Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/croton/growing-croton-plants/
      2. ↑ https://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/croton/growing-croton-plants/
      3. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/crotons/
      4. ↑ https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2889
      5. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/croton/growing-croton-outdoors.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/crotons/
      7. ↑ https://www.thegardenhelper.com/croton.html
      8. ↑ https://www.thegardenhelper.com/croton.html
      9. ↑ https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/croton
      1. ↑ https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/croton.html
      2. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/crotons/
      3. ↑ https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/croton
      4. ↑ https://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/croton/growing-croton-plants/
      5. ↑ https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/croton.html
      6. ↑ https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/croton
      7. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/crotons/
      8. ↑ https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/croton
      9. ↑ https://dengarden.com/gardening/Caring-for-Croton-Rushfoil
      10. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/crotons/
      11. ↑ https://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/croton/growing-croton-plants/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To care for a croton plant, keep it in a spot that gets 6-8 hours of bright sunlight every day. You should also water your croton whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil dries out so the soil is damp but not soggy. Try to keep the temperature around your plant at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and make sure it's kept in a humid area. You can mist the leaves with water once or twice a day to increase the humidity, or you can move your croton into a bathroom since the air in there will be more humid. To learn how to troubleshoot common problems with crotons, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 196,920 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Ahmed Gabel

        Mar 25, 2018

        "It is the first time to get croton, so I got all information about this plant, the soil, location, watering, ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement