Exposure & location

The Croton Petra loves light, without excess. It thrives in a bright spot but sheltered from direct sunlight, which could burn its delicate leaves. Soft light enhances the vividness of its colors and the density of its foliage.

• Place it near an east- or west-facing window with filtered light.
• It tolerates partial shade, but its red and yellow tones will be more pronounced in light.
• Ideal temperature: between 18 and 26 °C, without cold drafts or excessive heat.
• Perfect for the living room, office, or a temperate veranda.

Verdeia tip: rotate your Croton every two weeks to even out exposure and prevent the plant from growing unevenly.

Watering & care

Despite its sophisticated appearance, the Croton Petra is an easy plant to care for, as long as its need for constant but not excessive humidity is respected. Its glossy foliage likes slightly humid and stable environments.

• Water about once a week, when the top 2 centimeters of soil are dry.
• Use room temperature water, preferably non-calcareous.
• Regularly mist its foliage to prevent dry tips and revive the colors.
• Reduce watering frequency in winter (every 2–3 weeks).
• Absolutely avoid stagnant water in the saucer or planter cover.

For more vibrant foliage, add a liquid fertilizer for green plants every 3–4 weeks from March to September. Regularly clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and stimulate photosynthesis.

Verdeia advice

• Substrate: use rich, well-drained soil (universal potting soil + perlite or fine sand).
• Drainage: place a layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot to avoid excess moisture.
• Repotting: about every 2 years, in spring, to renew nutrients.
• Temperature: avoid sudden changes; Croton is sensitive to cold and drafts.
• Humidity: in winter, place your Croton near a humidifier or on a tray with water and clay balls.
• Pruning: pinch young stems to encourage branching and a fuller shape.

Lower leaves may naturally yellow over time; remove them to encourage regrowth and maintain a harmonious silhouette.

Decor ideas & combinations

The Croton Petra is a “statement” plant: its bright presence often suffices to transform the atmosphere of a room. Use it to bring a vivid tropical touch to a neutral space or to play on contrasts of colors and textures.

• Place it in a colored ceramic, natural terracotta, or light rattan planter cover according to your style.
• Pair it with a Ficus elastica for a structured and balanced tropical duo.
• Combine it with a Calathea orbifolia or a Monstera deliciosa for a lusher and more soothing composition.
• Ideal as an accent plant in a bright living room or urban entryway.
• On a sheltered terrace, it brings a striking exotic note.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’
• Common name: Croton Petra
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Plant type: Decorative tropical and evergreen foliage
• Foliage: Glossy, variegated with green, yellow, orange, and red
• Dimensions: D17 x H45 cm
• Exposure: Bright light to partial shade
• Watering: Moderate, slightly moist soil
• Care: Easy, ideal for beginners
• Growth: Medium
• Toxicity: Slightly toxic (not safe for pets and children)
• Use: Indoor, living room, office, veranda, sheltered balcony

Each Croton is unique: the distribution and intensity of colors vary according to light and season.