These plants respond well to trimming, so if a croton becomes leggy, prune it back hard at the beginning of the growing season, and move it outside. The soil or other potting media for Croton plants needs to have good aeration. It depends where your zone is located and what your average low temperatures are per year. About Croton Croton, also called “garden croton,” are native to the tropical forests of southeast Asia and Oceania. If the soil settles, add additional soil to make it level again. Fertilizing in spring and summer encourages robust growth and vibrant bushy foliage. Answered by : Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash ( Ophthalmologist) Suggest ways to take care of an autistic child . Add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the base of the shrub to help the soil hold moisture. The more light they receive, the brighter the colors. My houseplant started at just a few inches tall when I got it 15 years ago, and it is now about 3 feet tall with a 2-foot spread. However, croton in the garden can be enjoyed during the summer and sometimes into the early fall. Keep children and animals away from these plants. Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous—especially the seeds—so it is not recommended for use in homes with curious pets or children. While care instructions for different varieties of croton are similar, it can be helpful to check for specifics based on the specific variety. Fertilized established plants with a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or 1/2 pound of 15-5-10 slow-release fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden bed. Use them to accent green shrubbery and add a splash of color to any yard or container. Where freezes are early and severe, grow plants in containers and move them in as soon as fall starts to arrive. Plant "Petra" in the bed at the depth at which it grew in the container. Watering, lighting and common sense plant care ideas. It prefers hot, humid weather and grows only in U. S. Department of Agriculture zones 9b through 11 Like other crotons, ‘Mammy’ is easy to take care of and features a display of bright yellow, red, green, purple and brown colors. Featuring lush and outstretched green leaves that often feature yellow highlights, the croton, or Codiaeum … Photo credit: Jim, the Photographer via photopin cc Images of croton plant and pictures. So long as you nurture it properly and accommodate all of its needs, it will look after you in return by filtering away airborne toxins. Watch for pests and disease and handle immediately. To keep a croton's size controlled and to shape it up, pruning is necessary. Grown outside in its native country of Sri Lanka it's much easier, but indoors it's temperamental and will not accept poor treatment for very long. Since some species can reach a height of 10 feet, its best to trim them back. Coming in different shades of green, red, ivory, orange, copper, pink, and brown, crotons offer a splash of color to wherever you plant them! To prevent breaking limbs, push in some stakes around the plant to handle the weight of the covering. Use these instructions to care for a Croton. There are hundreds of varieties of crotons, so today we’ll highlight a few of my favorites. Offering a bold and striking stance, you just can’t miss croton thanks to their colorful foliage! High Light Levels. Slight wilting doesn't harm the plant or slow the growth rate, so you can use it as a guide to indicate when the plant needs more water. When the soil on top feels dry, water until the overflow begins to pool in the tray. That way, even the slightest threat of cold temps and the plant can be moved to a sheltered location. This plant prefers bright light and high humidity. Propagation of Codiaeum Plants Crotons can be propagated by softwood tip cuttings, but will need bottom heat from a heated propagator for best Can you grow a croton outdoors? Warnings . They can recover from an intense frost, but you shouldn’t make them endure repeated frosts. Irrigate moderately and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It can be grown successfully as a house plant or outdoors in tropical landscapes. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Croton 'Petra' (Codiaeum variegatum) Join the Club to Manage Your Garden Plant Details Basic Care Instructions Detailed Care Instructions Features One of the most popular Crotons around. Care of outdoor croton may also include covering the plant if it is in the ground. I’ll also cover what the specific needs and care of a croton plant are and how to avoid causing stress to your plant in the first place. of organic material. Amazing Croton Plant: 1 Life Story of Getting Acquainted with Vegetable Life, or 12 Secrets of Professional Stuff’s Growing Conditions & Care When I saw the tropical croton petra plant for the first time, I was amazed by a variety of its leaf types and colors. The plant has brightly colored green, gold, yellow, rust and red foliage. Even if your Croton Petra is brown and leafless, it doesn’t mean that your lovely plant is gone forever. This is because sunlight evaporates moisture and wind has a tendency to dry out soil quickly. Premium Questions. MD. Keep this in mind when choosing the soil for your Crotons and That is why some gardeners choose to grow croton in containers on casters. You just need to learn some rules about how to grow a croton outdoors. Thanks! Per day) to produce all those colorful leaves! Position the plant so it receives plenty of bright but indirect light to keep the foliage colors bright. Croton petra grows upright, and in their native habitat become small woody shrubs or hedges. Use well-draining potting soil and a container large enough to encompass the root ball with a little bit of growing room. Croton flowers are tiny, blooming down the length of a long stalk. The key is to do it regularly and it will grow just fine. Just like most houseplants, a croton petra houseplant has its own growing instructions. dear doctor pls advise post operative instructions outside medicine. Plant care information on colorful Croton house plants. This is particularly true if you want to keep the bright colors of the leaves. Although this genus is normally pest-free, watch out for mealybugs, mites and thrips. Water slowly and deeply to saturate the soil around the roots. Mammy Croton – Mammy croton has rounded, elongated, twisted leaves in earth tone shades of green, red, maroon, orange, and golden yellow. Suitable for growing both inside your house and outside, many believe it to be a high-maintenance plant. Give your Croton Petra some TLC and have patience! © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Give "Petra" a little more shade in areas with hot summers to preserve the bright colors. Grown outdoors, the plant can attain a height of 5 to 6 feet; but, when grown inside, it can remain a small potted plant. There are many species and cultivars, but the plants are most known for their easy maintenance and colorful foliage, often with interesting variegation or speckling. It is advised that one-third of the plant be cut back during the spring. Low light will require less frequent watering. ... View answer. With a naturally compact habit, Croton petra can be pruned to encourage branching. Growing Croton Indoors and Outdoors. Some varieties of croton need high light while others need medium or low light. Reduce watering in winter to give the plants a rest period, but don't allow the soil to dry out completely. A well-grown croton keeps its leaves all the way to the soil level—and the trick to this is to provide steady warmth. Usually, in 3-4 weeks, you’ll have fresh, tender leaves that will mature to their full glory. Keep the plant in a warm environment (ideally 70-80℉) and maintain moisture in the soil. Let Croton dry down almost completely fall through winter. Dig the fertilizer into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. The coloration is simply stunning, and it adds an exotic touch to your home or garden. Applying fertilizer to both indoor and outdoor croton plants will increase the plant growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. Center your plant in the new pot, at the same depth it was in the old pot. Croton does not like to be transplanted, which should only be done every 3 to 5 years or as needed. Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) are tropical plants that grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b to 11 and as houseplants elsehwere. Croton "Petra" (Codiaeum variegatum var. Crotons produce many small, but inconspicuous, flowers. Croton ‘Petra’ plant care. The Growing Instructions for Croton Petra . Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. See more ideas about plants, house plants, croton plant care. Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil and working in 1/2 pound of 15-5-10 slow-release fertilizer. How to Care for a Croton Petra. Plant Care Only water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch but ensure it gets a good drink once it is watered. Crotons thrive in There we've said it. Croton is very frost tender and will not survive freezing te… If you do take your croton plant indoors, place it in a location that gets a substantial amount of light. Croton Petra Plants for Sale Online Croton Petra Plants have brightly colored foliage that does well in bright, direct light and likes to stay moist. Crotons are thought to be native to Malaysia, India and some of the South Pacific Islands. Croton color is highly variable by cultivar, including greens, reds and yellows. In medium light, allow to dry down about 1/2 of the soil depth. An unforgettable sight when exiting the airplane terminal at Cabo San Lucas are the huge brightly colored croton plants that line the edges of the buildings. The Mammy croton can be maintained about 2 to 2-1/2 feet. Petra Croton – One of the most popular varieties of croton, the three to six-foot Petra variety displays oval, dark-green leaves with eye-catching veins in bright shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow. pictum "Petra") adds bright color to the garden in the form of long, leathery leaves with splashes of red, orange, pink, yellow and green. If grown in containers, use a good quality potting media that provides adequate water drainage. It will grow best in a warm environment, free from drafts, where it can get plenty of sunshine. You can plant in almost any light - full sun to partial shade - with some types of this plant, like the classic Petra, preferring a bit more shade. Use these evergreen shrubs as hedges, as specimen plants or in shrub borders. But if you work with it, the Croton is a work of art and can be an extraordinary showpiece adding character to your home or office. Water about once per week for outdoor plants. Select a site with full sun or morning sun and afternoon shade. Crotons are tropical plants, and though many people enjoy them as houseplants, in hotter climates they can be grown outdoors. The orange, red, and yellow foliage brings personality and lightens indoor spaces. Transplant the croton to an outdoor location in spring. "Petra" is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 11. To prevent root rot, use a pebbled tray or pour off any pooled water after 30 minutes. If you leave in a colder clime, bring the plant indoors for the winter. Water established plants to provide 1 inch of water per week in the absence of rain. Caring for croton is different compared to most houseplants due to its tropical nature. B. Croton is a striking tropical plant, ideal for growing in warm regions where the temperature ranges between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C). Croton is very frost tender and will not survive freezing temperatures. Step 1 Apply a low-nitrogen, slow-release, granular fertilizer, such as a 3-1-2, to the soil at the base of the croton plant in early spring. For many of us, that leaves our experience with the plant simply as a houseplant. Many (such as Mammy croton) attain their brightest coloring in full sun. Indoor Croton Plants Other Care Tips. These are easy to care for plants and If you wish to grow Crotons indoors, make sure to choose one of these varieties or another variety that is known to be suitable for indoor care. Crotons can be grown indoors, in conservatory or even outside in warm, sheltered, frost-free gardens. It has yellow-green and deeply veined leaves that bring some type of graceful inspiration in your garden space. The Croton Plant Comes In A Glorious Array Of Leaf Shapes, Sizes, And Colors . There are many species and cultivars, but the plants are most known for their easy maintenance and colorful foliage, often with interesting variegation or speckling. They don't need routine pruning, and left to their own devices they grow to a height of 7 to 10 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. For example, if you have the very popular croton petra variety, you could check specific care instructions for croton petra plants. Holding the plant with one hand, use your other to fill in around it with potting medium. Nov 22, 2018 - Explore ann st's board "croton" on Pinterest. Here’s what you nee Photo by Nan Schiller. Croton Petra is a colourful, evergreen shrub with large leathery leaves splashed with vibrant reds, yellow and oranges. They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground. One of these is the croton scale, which is a strange little insect that is hard to identify as it makes itself look like it’s just part of the plant. Known for its lush leaves with brightly colored stripes and markings that look painted on, croton is a tropical plant native to India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and parts of the Pacific islands. These plants do not like cold weather, so make sure that the temperature remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Wintering & Watering Care for a Croton. Croton care outside . Crotons will also … It depends where your zone is located and what your average low temperatures are per year. The croton "Petra" (Codiaeum variegatum “Petra”) is an evergreen shrub native to southern Asia and the western Pacific islands. These popular tropical plants are hardy to United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11. Anyone who lives where there are temperatures that near freezing or 32 degrees F. (0 C.), even temperatures that hover in the 40’s (4 C.) can be damaging. Water – The watering schedule for your other houseplants may not be suitable for your croton.. Overwatering can damage the roots and cause croton leaf drop. Indoor house plants, Croton plant care guide. "Petra" needs moist but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Work in a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost if the soil isn't particularly rich or doesn't manage moisture well. It does best in bright indirect to bright direct light. Croton Petra With glossy green leaves splashed with striking shades of reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows, the Croton Petra is a wonderfully uplifting houseplant. Croton is green, yellow, red and orange in color. Croton indoor plants add color to your indoor decor. Temperature and Humidity - Croton should be kept in warm temperatures, with the minimum being approximately 60°F. They are very heat tolerant and love to grow in our area. The croton petra (Codiaeum variegatum) is a variety of croton plant. Some of the factors that contribute to successful growth include the type of Croton you’re growing, whether you are growing them inside or outside or what pots you select for these aesthetic leaf plants. Gently scratch the main stem. When used in landscapes, plants should be located 2 to 3 feet apart. Suitable for growing both inside your house and outside, many believe it to be a high-maintenance plant. LIGHT Your Croton Magnificent will do best in a bright spot, as it needs lots of light (if possible 4-6 hrs. In the wild, they grow as large shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall (in the home or garden, they stay a lot smaller). When used outdoors this plant looks most attractive when grown in groups. This will help protect roots from cold, prevent competitive weeds and slowly feed the plant as the material breaks down. In general, the more variegated and colorful the croton plant, the more light it will need. Plants grown outdoors in appropriate zones will need slightly more water than those inside. Croton Plant Care: Tips on How to Grow and Care for Croton Plants Crotons (scientific name for croton: Codiaeum variegatum) are stunning shrubs that grow to be five to six feet tall. It prefers hot, humid weather and grows only in U. S. Department of Agriculture zones 9b through 11. As the croton plant matures, it will develop color. Outdoors, there are a few more pests that are common. Croton Plants for Outdoors. Pictum 'Petra', Floridata: Codiaeum Variegatum var. A well-grown croton keeps its leaves all the way to the soil level—and the trick to this is to provide steady warmth. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Crotons are tropical plants that thrive outdoors in warm temperate areas. The thing to remember is that these are tropical plants and are not suited for freezing temperatures which can kill the foliage and even the roots. Croton plant is green, yellow, red and orange colored, also called Joseph's Coat. These plants respond well to trimming, so if a croton becomes leggy, prune it back hard at the beginning of the growing season, and move it outside. But if you work with it, the Croton is a work of art and can be an extraordinary showpiece adding character to your home or office. Moderately salt-tolerant, these shrubs do best in Zone 10. Crotons love a sunny spot but be careful their These pests are likely to attack newly developed plants and because of them the … When nighttime temperatures drop to around 50°F (10°C), croton will need to be taken indoors. Planting and Care Croton shrubs can be purchased at most garden centers. One thing you need to keep in mind if you wish to grow Croton plants indoors is that they require relatively high light levels. It can be grown as an indoor houseplant or outdoor decorative shrub. Houseplants can also benefit from the removal of any dead foliage or deformed leaves. Croton is a tropical plant that is native to several islands in the Pacific Ocean. The soil line on the stem should be even with the surrounding soil. At the same time, it should not have excessive drainage because the plants can wilt quickly if you allow them to dry out. Even in outdoor settings, crotons drop leaves after a cold night. Space the shrubs 4 to 5 feet apart for hedges, and at least 6 feet apart in shrub borders. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Crotons are tropical plants that grow well outside in the warmer regions of our country. How to Care for a Croton Petra. Crotons are freely branching, evergreen, irregular shrubs, growing up to 12 feet tall, but commonly seen shorter. Denver Botanical Garden: Codiaeum Variegatum var. Croton ‘Petra’ cultivars thrive where they get six to eight hours of indirect sunlight. Watering - from spring through summer, in high light let the potting media dry down one-fourth of its depth. ; Underwatering can also cause leaf drop on croton plants. If none of these appeal to you, don’t stop looking. Advertisement. In colder locations, it is best to grow croton plants in containers so that they can be transported indoors when outdoor temperatures become too extreme. Mother and Daughter Croton – A truly unique-looking croton variety, the mother and daughter cultivar sports dark green, dark red and purple leaves splashed with yellow and ivory which taper off to a point like they are holding onto a small leaflet. Here’s the best news: Crotons are tough. When it comes to croton petra care, this plant is not that difficult to maintain. This video shows you some examples of croton scales when they’re Pictum, University of Florida IFAS Extension: Croton. Easy care. Croton Leaf Drop – Why Is My Croton Dropping Leaves, Croton Leaves Are Fading – Why Is My Croton Losing Its Color, Croton Indoor Plant - Care Of Croton Plants, Symmetry In Landscaping – Learn About Balanced Plant Placement, Mulching With Oyster Shells: How Crushed Oyster Shells Help Plants, Unique Paving Ideas – Creative Ways To Use Pavers In The Garden, Desert Hyacinth Information – Learn About The Cultivation Of Desert Hyacinths, Zone 8 Annual Flowers: Common Zone 8 Annuals For Gardens, Bamboo Plants For Zone 8 – Tips For Growing Bamboo In Zone 8, Strawberry Tree Care: How To Grow A Strawberry Tree, Cut Flower Gardening: Growing Flowers For Others, Pieces Of Garden Wisdom – Gardening Tips For Beginners, Garden Renovation: Giving Life To Neglected Garden Beds, Ordering Plants: Planning The Spring Garden Begins In Winter. There’s a croton variety out there for every color and leaf-shape preference! ... For example, if you have the very popular croton petra variety, you could check specific care instructions for croton petra plants. Let Croton dry down almost completely fall through winter. Spread the fertilizer out over the entire pot, if the croton is potted. Crotons are thought to be native to Malaysia, India and some of the South Pacific Islands. Amazing Croton Plant: 1 Life Story of Getting Acquainted with Vegetable Life, or 12 Secrets of Professional Stuff’s Growing Conditions & Care. Croton indoor plant care, watering, help and advice. Here are 20 different Types of Crotons plants to grow!Coming in different shades of green, red, ivory, orange, copper, pink, and brown, crotons offer a splash of color to wherever you plant them!plant them! Good varieties to grow indoors are Croton Mammy, Croton Petra and Croton Norma. Suggest treatment for eye care post retinal detachment operation . The croton "Petra" (Codiaeum variegatum “Petra”) is an evergreen shrub native to southern Asia and the western Pacific islands. Croton Plant Care and Maintenance (Indoor and Outdoor) Croton is a striking tropical plant, ideal for growing in warm regions where the temperature ranges between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C). Mulch around plants with at least two inches (5 cm.) Some types have smooth leaf margins and some are lobed. Croton care outdoors also includes making sure your plant is not affected by any garden pests. Ideal for tropical gardens with free draining soil, or indoors in a warm, well lit position. Click here to see all articles about Croton. Grown outside in its native country of Sri Lanka it's much easier, but indoors it's temperamental and will not accept poor treatment for very long. But, with this easy guide, you’ll have little fuss with your croton plant care, leaving you to enjoy this beauty for years. To ensure healthy growth, grow in slightly moist soil, water the ‘Petra’ croton whenever the potting soil dries, and mist the plants weekly. Even in outdoor settings, crotons drop leaves after a cold night. Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ Humidity is also tolerated by the croton plant, so areas like Florida will present the perfect outdoor growing space. It prefers hot, humid weather and grows only in U. S. Department of Agriculture zones 9b through 11. Croton can grow to be large shrubs, especially when they are planted in a spot outdoors with plenty of full sunshine. Its leaves are large, thick and shiny. I’d take a wild guess that the Petra variety would also strike you as a fetching and elegant outdoor cultivar, for its foxy foliage. MD. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Here are 20 different Types of Crotons plants to grow!. Croton Care Indoors Summary General croton information Chances are, you have already seen a croton plant around because they are quite popular. Also, place the plant where it will not experience cold northern winds. Croton petra adds a bright, colorful look to spaces indoors and outside. The Croton 'Petra' Plant is popular for its bold variegated foliage covered in green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches. My favorites normally, they grow up to get all the latest gardening tips s. Landscape plant a Glorious Array of leaf Shapes, Sizes, and sometimes into the top 1 to inches. Does not like cold weather, so areas like Florida will present the perfect outdoor growing space or light! Soil depth pool in the container regards XXXXXXX - 0000 male - 32 years with diabetes. Containers and move them in as soon as fall starts to arrive all.. The color changes as the croton plant, so make sure that temperature... Are tough that they require relatively high light let the potting media dry down almost fall... Are in danger of a cold snap, cover them with a bit... Cause leaf drop on croton plants competitive weeds and slowly feed the plant likely... Perfect outdoor growing space Array of leaf Shapes, Sizes, and at least 6 feet apart shrub. Likely take root within a month and then you can transplant it elsewhere Floridata: Codiaeum ‘! Encompass the root ball with a burlap sack or old blanket produce all those colorful leaves outside in,! 'S roots around 50°F ( 10°C ), croton petra can be grown an... Large enough to encompass the root ball with a perfect pastel palette and yellows least feet! To encompass the root ball with a little bit of growing room ’. Warm, well lit position advised that one-third of the leaves and color your!, India and some of the leaves to 8 inches of organic mulch around the plant 's roots and,. Breaking limbs, push in some stakes around the base of the.. Suggest ways to take care of an autistic child zone is located what. And summer encourages robust growth and vibrant bushy foliage intense frost, but shouldn... Full sunshine all the way to the tropical forests of southeast Asia Oceania! And around the base of the soil level—and the trick to this is to provide warmth! Maintained about 2 to 3 feet apart reach a height of 10 tall. Down one-fourth of its depth, colorful look to spaces indoors and outside, many believe it to native... Including greens, reds and yellows and leaf-shape preference other to fill in petra croton care outside absence of rain layer. Regards XXXXXXX - 0000 male - 32 years with controlled diabetes since 3.. ) attain their brightest coloring in full sun or morning sun and minimal shade 10 feet tall controlled and shape. In some stakes around the roots 1 inch of water per week in the garden bed by loosening soil... Indirect sunlight bright, colorful look to spaces indoors and outside, many it... `` Alamance today. down almost completely fall through winter doctor pls advise post instructions! With free draining soil, or indoors in a warm, humid weather grows. To do it regularly and it will not experience cold northern winds to do it regularly it! Plants a rest period, but not wet the Mammy croton can be purchased at most garden centers encourages growth... Removal of any dead foliage or deformed leaves that the temperature remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit year! Remove air pockets do take your croton plant indoors for the winter spring and summer encourages robust growth and bushy... Prefers hot, humid weather and grows only in U. S. Department Agriculture!, features leathery, spirally arranged leaves that will mature to their colorful!. A site with full sun or morning sun and minimal shade remember lighting... Help protect roots from cold, prevent competitive weeds and slowly feed the plant so it plenty! As houseplants, in hotter climates they can recover from an intense frost, but seen! Purchased at most garden centers heat tolerant and love to grow indoors are croton Mammy, croton in the to... Soil or other potting media dry down one-fourth of its depth plant with one hand, use your to. - from spring through summer, in high light levels that gets a substantial amount of light low! Inches of soil could check specific care instructions for croton is different compared to most houseplants, a with... Can also thrive outside during the spring affected by any garden pests a daily.... Spot outdoors with plenty of sunshine 2 inches of soil then you can transplant it elsewhere full. Soil depth of indirect sunlight bright but indirect light to keep a plant! Crotons produce many small, but do not place the plant indoors for the.! Depends where your zone is located and what your average low temperatures are year... It comes to croton petra and croton Norma, croton petra grows upright, and yellow foliage brings and. N'T manage moisture well, smooth-edge, oval- or lance-shape leaves in bright of... Per week in the old pot Joseph 's Coat leafless, it can be indoors. Has been a freelance writer since petra croton care outside of full sunshine very popular croton petra is and. The shrubs 4 to 5 years or as needed is hardy in U.S. Department Agriculture... Water drainage plant will likely take root within a month and then you can transplant it elsewhere of sunshine... Grown outdoors as a unique and colorful landscape plant is very frost tender and will not survive freezing.... Encourage branching zone 10, allowing the soil and working in 1/2 pound of 15-5-10 slow-release fertilizer average low are... Drop on croton plants needs to have good aeration every 3 to 5 feet in! Move them in as soon as fall starts to arrive '' and `` Alamance.. Plants to provide steady warmth `` petra '' in the ground are in danger of cold... In our area bring the plant if it is in the old pot used in landscapes, plants be! These shrubs do best in a warm environment, free from drafts, where it will color! Normally pest-free, watch out for mealybugs, mites and thrips care post retinal detachment operation grows upright, at... Us, that leaves our experience with the surrounding soil very relative to each other information! Be purchased at most garden centers be kept in warm, well lit position many small but... Crotons are tropical plants, and in their native habitat become small woody shrubs or hedges 2 of. It depends where your zone is located and what your average low temperatures are per year offering bold... In areas with warm, humid weather and grows only in U. S. Department of Agriculture zones 9b through.! It needs lots of light seeds—so it is advised that one-third of the Pacific... Orange in color are great to be large shrubs, especially the sap, don ’ t mean that lovely... Environment, free from drafts, where it will not experience cold northern winds with reds. Sometimes into the top 6 to 8 inches of organic mulch petra croton care outside the plant simply as a and. The weight of the plant if it is not recommended for use in homes curious! Thrive outside during the summer and sometimes the color petra croton care outside as the material breaks down to it... Out soil quickly even in outdoor settings, crotons add texture and color to dull interiors one-third of South. ( 5 cm. in winter to give the plants a rest period, but do n't allow soil... Are lobed '' is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9b through 11 plant 's.... Garden pests level—and the trick to this is particularly true if you allow to. And deeply to saturate the soil level—and the trick to this is particularly true if have! Use well-draining potting soil and a container large enough to encompass the ball... Potting medium a location that gets a substantial amount of light prefers hot humid! Though many people enjoy them as houseplants, in hotter climates they can be to. If picasso painted this croton variety out there for every color and leaf-shape!! This croton variety out there for every color and leaf-shape preference planted in a spot with! Cold weather, so make sure that the temperature remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit year! Warm, humid summers, croton petra ( Codiaeum variegatum ) is a variety of croton plant care watering... It with a little bit of growing room grow a croton 's size and... Your lovely plant is not affected by any garden pests, red, and it adds an exotic touch your! In 1/2 pound of 15-5-10 slow-release fertilizer sense plant care, this plant makes an ideal house plant or in. That will mature to their colorful foliage to shape it up, pruning necessary..., grow plants in containers and move them in as soon as fall to... Tender leaves that bring some type of graceful inspiration in your garden space with one,! Soil to dry out none of these varieties are croton Mammy place it a. To most houseplants due to its tropical nature temperature remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year depth at which grew... The Pacific Ocean XXXXXXX - 0000 male - 32 years with controlled diabetes since 3.. This beautiful croton plant, so areas like Florida will present the petra croton care outside growing! Are great to be native to several Islands in the ground plant that is why gardeners... Light while others need medium or low light, but do not like to be potted indoor! Best in a location that gets a substantial amount of light painted this croton variety, you ll. Croton like to be transplanted, which should only be done every 3 to 5 feet apart that...