Planting Instructions for Croton Petra

Overview

In tropical regions, croton petra (Codiaeum variegatum Petra) grows as a shrub, 8 to 10 feet in height. This plant needs warmth, both in the air and in the water that it is given. To grow the croton petra you will need to provide it with full sun and 10-10-10 fertilizer every three months. Allow the soil to dry out to within 1 inch of the surface before watering it with room-temperature water. Because temperatures below 55 degrees F will kill the croton, it is generally grown indoors, as a houseplant. Use a planting pot that is the same depth but twice the diameter of the pot in which the croton petra is being grown.

Step 1

Pour potting soil into the pot until it is halfway full.

Step 2

Tip the croton petra out of the pot in which it is growing and gently loosen the root ball with your fingers.

Step 3

Place the roots of the plant into the new pot. When planted, it should sit at the same depth as it did in its old pot. You may need to add or remove soil from the pot to accomplish this.

Step 4

Fill the pot the rest of the way with potting soil, tamping down around the base of the plant when finished.

Step 5

Water the plant well and allow the excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot.