Light. Plant it in full sun for the strongest color. New leaves start green and color up as they mature.
Water. Water often while it settles in, but do not keep the soil soggy. Once established it is drought tolerant and can get by on rainfall. Wilting new leaves mean it needs water.
Soil and feeding. It wants fertile, well-drained soil. In a container, use a good Potting Soil that drains well.
Size. Grows to about 6 ft tall and about as wide. Space plants about 3 ft apart for a hedge or mass planting.
Problems to watch. Usually trouble-free, but mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips show up at times. Treat mealybugs and scale with Insecticidal Soap following the label. Hosing off the leaves helps keep spider mites down.
Good to know. The leaves are poisonous if eaten and the sap irritates skin and stains fabric. Wear gloves and keep children and pets away. Frost damages it, but it recovers quickly.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Crotons · UF/IFAS Extension Polk County: Colorful and Carefree: Growing Crotons in Your Central Florida Yard · UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Crotons, a living paint palette of color
