Light: Crotons love bright light, so you may considering moving yours outdoors in the summer and keeping it lit with a grow light in winter months in addition to any natural light you can muster.

Temperature: 60-90 F

Humidity: medium

Crotons can tolerate low humidity, but try to keep it more humid to help prevent their nemesis pest—spider mites.

Water: Because this plant loves bright light, it may require frequent watering. However, if you have it in a lower light setting avoid overwatering by keeping the plant on the dry side. If you notice the top 2” of mix has dried out, water deeply until water drains from the pot bottom. Water stress in either direction will cause the plant to drop lower leaves quickly.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years into a slightly larger container (1-2” increased diameter or depth). Use a general purpose potting mix.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per month March through September. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Euphorbia is a large family that houses many popular plants including the candelabra cactus (Euphorbia lactea) and a popular Christmas favorite, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Low light stress

• Two-spotted spider mites

• Leaf drop from watering stress

Is croton pet safe?

Well… yes and no. Croton has latex sap like other euphorbias. If a human or animal has a latex allergy, it can cause rash, drooling and digestive struggles if latex touches skin or is ingested.