Indoor Croton Care

Humidity and Temperature

• House temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 10 degrees F. cooler at night will keep crotons healthy. Plants will tolerate hot temperatures, but the humidity must be at least 40 percent. Drainage trays placed under the containers to catch excess runoff after each watering will provide the humidity the crotons need, but the trays will need a layer of gravel to keep the container from sitting directly in the water.

Light

• Bright light will keep the foliage brightly colored, whereas the foliage of plants grown in low light settings will have color, but it will be dull compared to that of a plant grown in bright light. Crotons need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Water

• Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Check moisture by inserting your finger in the top inch of soil: if the soil is dry, the plant needs water. Water the plant until water runs out the bottom of the container. The number of times the plant will need water each week will depend on the variety, heat and light. Always water the plant after adding fertilizer.

Fertilizer

• Plants need a liquid or slow-release fertilizer. An all-purpose fertilizer diluted in half and applied once a month will supply the plants with enough nutrients to keep them healthy and their foliage brightly colored.

Planting

• Croton plants need room to grow, and a 4-gallon container will give the plant enough room to grow indoors. The medium for a container plant varies, but the soil must have good drainage. A mixture of 6 parts peat moss, 3 parts pine bark and 1 part sand, or 3 parts peat moss and 1 part sand, will provide the plant with good drainage but retain the moisture the plant needs.