Q&A for How to Care for a Croton Plant

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  • 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.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    How much watter does a croton need?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    In the spring and summer, keep the soil humid but never wet. In the fall and the winter, wait until the soil is dry before watering.
  • Question
    Can I plant two different crotons in the same pot?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can plant two different crotons in the same pot. Just make sure that both have enough room. Most types of crotons have similar water, light, etc. requirements.
  • Question
    Will a croton plant thrive indoors in bright indirect light?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that would be fine. I have a Croton indoors by my sliding balcony door. It likes the direct sunlight and has done well in that location. It probably gets about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight, which is from early morning until late afternoon. So with the bright indirect lighting you have asked about, your plant should be good too.
  • Question
    Last month we moved about 300 miles. My plant was doing great before but now has lost all of its leaves, and just the stem is left. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    My croton has done this to me a few times-dropped all its leaves with only the stem left. Your plant is in shock from the move. My advice is to put it by a sunny window, don’t move it and put it a place it can stay for awhile and make sure you water it about once a week or week and a half if it’s winter time, more often if it's warmer. It should come good with care over time.
  • Question
    How do I know if it has outgrown its current pot?
    Community Answer
    You will know if you can see the roots peeking through the plastic pot, it has started to shift to one direction and the soil is getting dry too fast (compared to before). Also its age: you can estimate if you need to repot if you see growth signs. Remember that if you want to stop the growth, repot to the same size pot. In spring is the time to repot.
  • Question
    Can I add used coffee grounds to the soil of my croton plant?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use coffee grounds, they help with growth. Try not to use a lot, as coffee grounds hold in a lot of moisture and can become moldy.
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