18 Croton Varieties: How to Care for Croton Plants

Codiaeum variegatum, whose common names include the garden croton or variegated laurel, are tropical plants known for their large, patterned, colorful leaves. Garden croton is a shrub native to high-humidity areas of Southeast Asia like Indonesia and Malaysia, parts of Australia, and some western Pacific Islands. Outside of those regions, garden croton plants are commonly grown as houseplants. Note that there is a different genus of plants also called croton, which has hundreds of different species of shrubs and trees.

There are hundreds of different types of croton plants, each with its own growing specifications. Explore some of the most common croton varieties.

1. 1. Petra croton: Croton petra has pointed, oblong leaves that come in colors of yellow, bronze, red, and green. This particular cultivar can grow up to five feet tall.
2. 2. Zanzibar croton: Zanzibar crotons have thin, narrow leaf shapes in comparison to many of the other croton varieties. Its foliage comes in purple, yellow, green, and red, and can grow anywhere from three to four feet tall.
3. 3. Oakleaf croton: Known for its oak-shaped red, yellow, and green leaves, the oakleaf croton is an evergreen shrub that contains both male and female flowers.
4. 4. Gold dust croton: Sometimes referred to as the sun-spot croton, this type of plant has dark green leaves speckled with bright golden yellow markings (resembling gold dust).
5. 5. ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ croton: Also known as ‘Sloppy Painter’, Codiaeum 'Eleanor Roosevelt' has medium-green, yellow leaves with purple flourishes and yellow spots. It needs at least four hours of full sun in order to thrive.
6. 6. ‘Mrs. Iceton’ croton: This is one of the most heavily variegated varieties of croton. New foliage emerges bright green and yellow, then bursts into a spectrum of purple, red, and orange as it matures.
7. 7. ‘Red Iceton’ croton: These plants have oval-shaped leaves with pointy tips. They start off a bright yellow color and mature into an array of fiery reds, pinks, and oranges. When grown outdoors in the appropriate climate, they can reach a mature height of seven to eight feet tall—provided they are planted in direct sunlight and well-draining soil.
8. 8. ‘Yellow Iceton’ croton: This variety has light green leaves heavily variegated with creamy white and light yellow. If kept as a houseplant, ‘Yellow Iceton’ crotons have the usual water requirements, but outdoor plants are drought-tolerant once established.
9. 9. ‘Andrew’ croton: Great for growing in hedges, this type of croton plant has narrow leaves and a shrubby, upright growth habit. It has deep green foliage festooned with creamy white streaks.
10. 10. ‘Bush on Fire’ croton: As its name implies, this croton cultivar is bursting with colorful foliage. An array of bright colors emerges as the plant matures, ranging from dark green to bright yellow, red, and orange.
11. 11. ‘Lauren’s Rainbow’ croton: The long, slender leaves of ‘Lauren’s Rainbow’ croton are unmistakable. In addition to its unique leaf shape, its foliage boasts a spectrum of greens, yellows, and purples. This low-maintenance grower is known to tolerate drought and humidity, making it an ideal indoor plant.
12. 12. ‘Picasso’s Paintbrush’ croton: Aptly named for its thin, bristly leaves and colorful foliage, ‘Picasso’s Paintbrush’ is one of the most unique varieties of croton plant. This croton variety is perfectly at home in a windowsill full of bright light.
13. 13. ‘Sunny Star’ croton: ‘Sunny Star’ crotons have a compact, dense growth habit. Its narrow, elliptical leaves come in shades of bright green and yellow.
14. 14. ‘Gold Star’ croton: The deep green leaves of the ‘Gold Star’ croton contain a constellation of gold specks. The showy foliage provides a ton of visual interest to houseplant collections.
15. 15. ‘Florida Select’ croton: The ‘Florida Select’ croton has dark green leaves with veins of red, yellow, and orange. It is toxic to animals and humans, so keep it out of reach from pets and small children.
16. 16. Banana croton: Named for its leaf shape and bright yellow veining, the banana croton is a tropical evergreen that can be kept as a houseplant or planted as a small shrub. It will reach a mature height of three to four feet when planted outdoors in full sun and well-draining, moist soil.
17. 17. ‘Superstar’ croton: ‘Superstar’ crotons add a splash of color to any corner of the home or garden. Their bright green leaves are heavily speckled with bright, golden-yellow spots.
18. 18. ‘Victoria Gold Bell’ croton: The long, narrow leaves of this croton could also be mistaken for wide blades of grass. Its foliage is bright green with a waxy sheen and veins of orange, red, and yellow.

As long as croton plants are in an ideal environment, they can grow and flourish. Consider a few care tips to help keep your crotons in good shape.

1. 1. Check garden crotons for pests and diseases. Though generally resistant to most pests and diseases, crotons can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and certain types of fungus. Use an insecticidal soap or a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to remove any infestation sites.
2. 2. Mulch or cover your croton plant. Lay organic matter about two inches from the stem of the croton to help the soil retain moisture and smother weeds. You can also cover your plants with a burlap sack to help keep them warm during cold drafts.
3. 3. Give crotons plenty of indirect sunlight. Keep your crotons in at least four to six hours of indirect sunlight per day. However, this can also depend on the cultivar, and some may require partial shade throughout their growth.
4. 4. Water crotons properly. When the top half-inch of soil is dry, water your crotons thoroughly. You may notice some leaf drop when the plants aren’t properly hydrated, so try misting the leaves with room-temperature water about twice a week. You can also use a humidifier to keep the room in the right moisture conditions.
5. 5. Wipe down croton leaves. Croton leaves have a habit of collecting dust, so wipe them down with a damp cloth every so often.
6. 6. Fertilize crotons in the growing season. Fertilize your crotons with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once during both the spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing as too much nitrogen will promote green growth but inhibit their vibrant colors.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.