Light. Leaf color is usually best in full sun. It also grows in part sun, and even in fairly heavy shade.
Water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet. It needs soil that drains well.
Soil and feeding. It does best in organically rich, well-drained soil.
Size. Grows to about 6 ft in South Florida gardens.
Pruning. Prune regularly to push out new leaves and keep it bushy. Regular pinching also means fewer of its red-purple flowers.
Problems to watch. It has no serious pests outdoors. Spider mites, whiteflies and scale can show up on potted plants; treat with Insecticidal Soap following the label.
Good to know. Not a true croton; it is caricature plant, from New Guinea. It is cold tender and fits zones 10–11.
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Graptophyllum pictum · Florida Museum of Natural History (UF) plant shop: Variegated Caricature Plant
