Rainbow Croton

The rainbow-colored foliage of croton plants makes them a standout for houseplant enthusiasts. (If you live in zones 10 to 12, they also make wonderful outdoor landscape plants for year-round enjoyment.) Croton plants are available with a variety of leaf colors; most are multi-colored with variegated leaves in shades of red, green, yellow, orange, and purple. There are a few varieties that only have bi-color leaves (green and yellow, or red and green). Two distinct leaf shapes are common: narrow, long, and strap-shaped, and wider oval or oblong.

Croton plants develop their best colors when grown in bright light. As houseplants, they must be situated in a sunny window. They will tolerate medium light indoors, but won’t grow much and foliage may revert to plain green.

Croton plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, due to the waxy coating on their leaves, and it is easy to overwater them. Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then water thoroughly. Another sign that it’s time to water your croton plant is that new growth at the ends of the plant stems will wilt slightly. Never allow plants to sit in standing water.

Feed your croton with a standard houseplant fertilizer every two months during the spring and summer growing season. Pause or reduce feeding in the fall and winter, and take care not to fertilize for at least six months after repotting or bringing home new plants so that the roots can establish themselves.