- 1). Plant crotons in soil that drains well. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UFIFAS) recommends soil composed of six parts peat moss, three parts pine bark and one part sand or a mixture of peat moss and sand in a three to one ratio.
- 2). Locate red crotons in bright light. UFIFAS sets a standard of 3,000 to 5,000 foot candles of light to raise plants intended for indoor gardens, much higher than most interiors. Keep crotons near south windows in winter and add incandescent and fluorescent light if necessary to provide at least 1,000 foot candles for 12 to 14 hours per day.
- 3). Water plants when the soil dries out, but don't allow water to sit in the pot; overwatering keeps leaves from developing bright red coloring.
- 4). Shelter the plant from drafts and chills below 60 degrees, both of which can shock the plant and stop the green-to-red transition that leaves undergo as they mature.
- 5). Fertilize crotons monthly while they are growing actively. Choose a foliage houseplant fertilizer for monthly feedings; UFIFAS suggests growers use fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K) balance of 3-1-2 to provide nitrogen for strong foliar growth. Follow package mixing and applications directions exactly; too much fertilizer will cause leaves to turn green.
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