Croton is a tropical shrub grown entirely for its extraordinary foliage — the leathery, glossy leaves in combinations of red, orange, yellow, green, and black are unlike anything else in the garden. In Zone 6b, it is grown as a container plant or seasonal annual, moved outdoors after last frost and brought in before the first autumn cold.
The bold, coloured foliage makes a striking addition to summer container arrangements and as cut foliage in late-summer bouquets. The sap is an irritant — wear gloves when cutting. Bring containers indoors when temperatures approach 50°F; croton drops leaves dramatically below 55°F.
Spider Mites
Fine stippling or bronzing on leaves, faint webbing on undersides, foliage drying out during hot, dry weather.
Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days as needed.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey fuzzy mould on petals and stems, worst in cool wet conditions.
Remove affected parts immediately. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if severe.
Croton Anthracnose
Tan to brown dead patches on leaves, often along edges or tips, sometimes with small dark fruiting spots. Affected leaves yellow and drop.
Remove and discard infected leaves. Avoid wetting foliage when watering and improve air circulation. Apply a copper-based fungicide if it spreads.