Crotons: A Colour Explosion for Any Space

Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) are one of the most eye-catching ornamental plants out there. Known for their wild patterns and fiery colours, they bring instant personality to gardens, homes, and shop displays. If you’ve ever wanted a plant that looks like it’s been painted with a box of crayons, this is the one.

Below is your complete guide to croton varieties, colours, reptile safety, indoor vs outdoor growing, terrarium suitability, air-purifying abilities, and how to care for these stunners.

Google Image

The Colours and Varieties

Crotons are famous for their dramatic foliage. Their leaves come in blends of green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and cream. Many varieties change colour as they mature, so you often get a plant that transforms over time.

Popular Croton Varieties

1. Petra - Wide leaves with bold yellow, orange and red veins.

2. Mammy / Mamey - Curly, twisted leaves in deep red, dark green, gold and orange.

3. Gold Dust Croton - Green leaves with splashes of bright yellow dots.

4. Bush on Fire - Narrow, flame-like leaves that shift between red, orange, yellow and green.

5. Zanzibar - Very thin, grassy leaves in purple, red, yellow and green.

6. Oakleaf Croton - Large lobed leaves resembling oak leaves with red and yellow veining.

Are Crotons Reptile-Safe?

No. Crotons are not reptile-safe. They are toxic to reptiles, cats, dogs and humans if chewed or ingested. The plant sap can also irritate skin.

Crotons should not be used in reptile enclosures or terrariums, especially with species that like to nibble or climb.

Terrarium Use

Crotons can be used in open or decorative terrariums that do not contain any animals. In plant-only displays, they offer striking colour and height.

However, they are not ideal for most closed or high-humidity terrarium styles because:

• They grow quite large and can quickly outgrow the space

• They prefer strong light, which many terrariums don’t provide

• They can become leggy if light is too low

• They prefer good airflow rather than the constant moisture of sealed terrariums

Crotons work best in open terrarium bowls, large glass vessels, or decorative jar arrangements where airflow is good and the plant has space to grow.

For fully closed terrariums, smaller tropical species like peperomia, fittonia, ferns, mosses and miniature philodendrons perform better.

Indoor vs Outdoor Growing

Crotons can grow indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate.

Indoors

Great as bright indoor feature plants. They need very bright light, preferably direct morning sun, warm rooms and stable humidity. Indoors they stay smaller and compact.

Outdoors

In warm climates like many parts of South Africa, crotons thrive outside as landscaping shrubs, border plants or colour highlights in tropical gardens.

They prefer bright sun for the best colour, warm temperatures and protection from cold winds. They cannot handle frost.

Air Purifying

Crotons do have some air-purifying qualities, like most leafy plants, but they are not top performers compared to pothos, peace lilies or snake plants. Their main value is decorative, not purification.

Care Guide

Light

The brighter, the better. Direct light brings out stronger colours. Low light makes them fade to green.

Water

Keep the soil slightly moist. Let the top layer dry out before watering again. They dislike soggy soil and they dislike drying out completely.

Humidity

Medium to high humidity is best. They perform well in kitchens and bathrooms. Light misting can help if the air is very dry.

Temperature

Warm and stable conditions are ideal. Avoid cold drafts and air conditioners. They drop leaves easily when shocked.

Soil

A well-draining mix works best. Houseplant soil with extra perlite or bark is a good option.

Fertiliser

Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 to 4 weeks in spring and summer. Do not fertilise in winter.

Common Issues

• Leaf drop: caused by sudden temperature changes, cold, low humidity or underwatering.

• Faded colour: caused by low light.

• Mushy stems: caused by overwatering.

The Look: Why People Love Crotons

Crotons are all about drama. They bring bold colours, graphic veins, unique leaf shapes and instant tropical character to any space. They stand out as statement plants in offices, living rooms, patios, verandas and tropical-style gardens.