15+ Best Types of Croton Plants to Grow at Home

The Most Colorful and Eclectic Croton Plants for Your Home or Garden

Crotons are known and loved for their bright foliage and intriguing patterns. Most of these plants make excellent houseplants, or you can plant them outdoors in warmer areas. Plus, all of them are low maintenance and a good choice for beginners. If you’re looking for the perfect plant to add a splash, check out this list of 17 of the most popular types of crotons plants to grow at home.

About Croton Plants:

The genus Croton comprises a myriad of flowering plants including a range of herbs, shrubs, and trees. They hail from the Euphorbiaceae family, which are predominantly native to tropical climates in the Indo-Malayan and Central American regions.

Croton plants are loved for their bright, radiant foliage which showcases an array of color tones spanning tropical greens, pinks, reds, yellows, and more.

Most croton plants are toxic if consumed so it’s best to lean on the side of caution and keep these plants away from pets and children particularly if you’re growing in an indoor environment.

However, these plants are excellent natural air purifiers and perform a stellar job removing harmful airborne toxins!

Croton Plant Care & Maintenance Requirements:

Croton Plants are relatively easy, low-maintenance plants to grow at home. Follow these key steps and yours should thrive just fine:

• Light – find a location in your home that receives plenty of bright, indirect light for your croton plant throughout the majority of the day. Somewhere near a south or easterly facing window would be perfect with a little protection from a half-drawn blind or shade.
• Soil – pot with a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mix (see our comprehensive guide to the best croton plant soil mix here).
• Water – croton plants love moisture but should never be left to standing in a saturated soil base. Water every 7 to 10 days or so in spring and summer when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Water requirements will reduce in the late fall and winter months.
• Fertilize – fertilize croton plants monthly in spring and summer only with an all-purpose, water-soluble houseplant feed.
• Repotting – aim to upsize if necessary ahead of the new growing season in early spring when necessary.
• Pests & Diseases – croton plants are generally disease resistant indoors but can be susceptibel to common pests and small insects.

For more, see our comprehensive guide to Croton plant care and growing tips at home.

17 Best Types of Croton Plants to Grow at Home:

Here you’ll find a collection of our favorite croton plants to grow at home. We’ve included some essential care tips for each plus a few interesting facts about their history, origins, and botanical characteristics:

1) Petra Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’)

The petra croton has oval green leaves covered with bright yellow, red, and orange mottling. It’s native to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

2) Zanzibar Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Zanzibar’)

The Zanzibar croton has long, thin leaves that are some combination of green, yellow, red, and orange. Due to its long leaves, it can often resemble decorative grass.

3) Lauren’s Rainbow Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Lauren’s Rainbow’)

About: Lauren’s rainbow croton has thin leaves set atop tall stems. The leaves typically have one color as their base and another color running down the middle.

4) Gold Dust Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’)

The gold dust croton has dark green leaves that look like they’ve been splattered with yellow paint. The brighter the location, the more yellow the leaves.

5) Banana Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Banana’)

The banana croton is a petite plant that is perfect for small spaces. It has bright green oblong leaves that are covered with yellow bits and patches.

6) Oakleaf Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Oakleaf’)

As its common name suggests, the oakleaf croton has lobed leaves that resemble the leaves of some oaks. The leaves are green with bright yellow markings that turn red as the plant ages. People also refer to this plant as croton excellent.

7) Mother and Daughter Croton

Mother and daughter crotons have unmistakable leaves which lead to their name. The oblong leaves appear as if a small leaf is attached to a larger leaf. In actuality, it is one leaf attached via a midrib.

8) Mammy Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’)

Mammy crotons have long, colorful leaves that twist and curl upwards. They are perhaps the most popular and recognizable croton.

9) Eleanor Roosevelt Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Eleanor Roosevelt)

Also known as the messy painter croton, the Eleanor Roosevelt croton has oblong green leaves with yellow splotches.

10) Andrew Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Andrew’)

The Andrew croton has long leaves that are dark green and cream. The leaves sometimes develop a wavy texture.

11) Red Iceton Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Red Iceton’)

The red ice croton has pointed leaves that start yellow and turn red and pink over time. Most plants will have a combination of red and yellow leaves.

12) Picasso’s Paintbrush Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Picasso’s Paintbrush)

This croton has long, thin leaves that resemble a paintbrush splattered with bright colors.

13) Gold Star Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Star’)

The gold star croton has long, thin green leaves with tiny yellow spots.

14) Croton Magnificent (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Magnificent’)

This croton lives up to its name with wide green leaves covered in bright patches of yellow, pink, orange, and more.

15) Bush on Fire Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Bush on Fire’)

The bush on fire croton has vibrant leaves speckled with yellow, green, pink, red, and more. Make sure the plant receives lots of indirect sun if you want bright colors.

16) Sunny Star Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Sunny Star’)

The sunny star croton has oblong green leaves covered in scattered bits of yellow. The brighter the location, the more yellow this plant will develop.

17) Mrs. Iceton Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mrs. Iceton’)

This croton has large leaves with pointed tips. The leaves are a base color of green, red, orange, or purple and appear lightly dusted with another color.

Wrap Up:

Now that you know about some of the types of crotons available, it’s time to pick out a few you love. With plants of colors, shapes, and sizes, you can find some for every area of your home and garden.

Croton Plant FAQs: