Nature's own fireworks, crotons shine bright with their striking multi-colored, paddle-shaped leaves. Dazzling in vivid shades of crimson, green, ochre and pink, these tropical rainforest natives of south-east Asia pep up bright and sunlit interiors with their bold patterning and glossy foliage.
One of the showiest and best indoor plants you can grow, crotons - botanically known as Codiaeum variegatum - reward endlessly for very little attention. Requiring stable, warm and humid conditions, these indoor plants can grow to between three and six feet tall, but are governed by the size of their container.
With many intriguing variations to consider, you can find croton cultivars with narrow, broad, oak-shaped and even curly corkscrew leaves. Take a look at Croton 'Mammy' available at Walmart. A great way to kick-start any houseplant collection, they also inspire the perfect interior decorating palette this fall.
Why You Will Fall For Crotons
There are many reasons to grow crotons, but visual impact and flamboyant foliage featuring dramatic color combinations place them at the top of most plant lovers' wish lists. Bearing patches of crimson, burgundy, green, ochre and pink, they are quick to charm new and dedicated plant parents alike.
Like many of the best air-cleaning indoor plants, crotons can also filter out harmful airborne toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and xylene, which occur in many household materials. They help maintain air quality and moisture levels through transpiration and are a stunning, positive addition to any room.
How To Care For Crotons
Originating from Southeast Asia's tropical rainforests, crotons love a constantly bright, warm, and humid environment. They can suffer from stress and sudden leaf drop if conditions vary, but thankfully they are not one of the hardest houseplants to keep alive. Follow these simple requirements they need to thrive:
Enhance Your Decor With Crotons
One of the simplest ways to style houseplants and boost a croton's impact comes through the choice of pot.
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'I’m a big fan of blue pots because blue creates a stunning contrast to the red/orange/yellow variegation in the foliage,' says Justin. 'But if a more coordinated, harmonious look suits you, you might go for a bright yellow or orange pot, for example, to echo and hype up the color the plant already has.'
He also adds: 'The same goes for the backdrop; you’ll find your croton may have a totally different (but equally beautiful) look up against a soft blue wall as an orange one.'
Mixing these houseplants for maximalists with other indoor plants with contrasting, dark green foliage makes for an eye-catching focal point. Consider grouping monstera, peace lily, Bird of Paradise and pothos with crotons and arrange on a tiered plant stand - such as this gold design from Lowe's or along a mantelpiece.
Thanks to their large, technicolor leaves, crotons are perfect for filtering sunlight. 'I’m a big fan of backlighting crotons - placing the plant where it’s in between me and the light source,' explains Justin. 'The way the light can come through the leaves is almost like a stained-glass window. So crotons are perfect for large windowsills or plant stands in front of a window. Plus, they love the light.'
It's well worth knowing how to clean houseplant leaves to keep crotons bright and healthy. As Justin explains: 'Any dust that accumulates on the leaf both decreases the plant’s appearance and decreases the amount of light it’s getting (dust acts like a filter), as well as provides habitat for pests.
'So it’s a good idea to regularly clean your croton’s leaves with a soft cloth. Cotton or microfiber should be just fine.' Try Lowe's microfibre cloths.
Justin is a Costa Farms Horticulturist with 25+ years in the industry. A plant enthusiast and educator, he has a degree in horticultural science and has worked in garden centers and botanical gardens, as a garden designer, and in garden publishing. He has experience gardening across the country, from Minnesota to Oregon to Miami. Hancock is also co-host of the Costa Farms podcast Plant Rx.
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No doubt you are now smitten with crotons. Why not discover our favorite houseplants to make your home feel cozy for fall, plus learn about 7 of the best houseplants with dark foliage to make your croton foliage shine even brighter?
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