Offering a bold and striking stance, you just can’t miss croton, thanks to their colorful foliage! Here are the different Types of Crotons plants to grow!
Coming in different shades of green, red, ivory, orange, copper, pink, and brown, crotons offer a splash of color wherever you plant them! The striking tropical plant is available in over 100 varieties making it difficult to choose the best. Here are some of the best Types of Crotons that you can grow inside your home and outside!
Botanical Name: Codiaeum
USDA Zone: 9-11, can be grown everywhere indoors
Other Names: Rushfoil, Laurel
Check out our article on the best Peperomia varieties here!
Types of Crotons
1. Zanzibar Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum varigatum ‘Zanzibar’
Zanzibar can grow up to 3-4 feet tall. It has narrow green, red, purple and orange-colored leaves that can be used as contrast plants. It can also be grown as a houseplant.
Growing Tip:
‘Zanzibar’ prefers bright indirect light for optimum growth, just like other croton varieties.
2. Yellow Iceton Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Yellow Iceton’
Yellow Iceton shows off mid-green foliage with lush yellow variegation. This plant can reach 3-4 feet high. This type of croton can be grown both as an indoor and outdoor plant.
Growing Tip:
This croton variety can be grown in full sun to partial shade.
3. Victoria Gold Bell Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum ‘Victoria Gold Bell’
This attractive croton has a distinct leaf structure that dangles off from the plant. It comes in orange, red, green, or red color that changes with the light levels the plant is exposed to.
Growing Tip:
Protect the plant from direct sunlight in summer and also from hot and cold air.
4. Superstar Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Superstar’
The bright green leaves of this croton splashed with yellow spots definitely make it look like a superstar! This plant can grow to 3-4 feet in height.
Growing Tip:
Water this croton regularly but avoid overwatering. It is tolerant to full sun and partial shade.
Also Read: Best Calathea Varieties
5. Red Iceton Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum ‘Red Iceton’
Red Iceton produces yellow leaves that mature in a striking shade of red and pink hues with bright veins. When grown outdoors, it can reach heights of up to 8 feet.
Growing Tip:
Grow ‘Red Iceton’ croton in bright sunlight in a well-draining medium.
6. Sunny Star Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Sunny Star’
Sunny Star features large elliptical light green leaves, dashed in gold color near the base of each leaf. It also works as a great houseplant and can attain a height.
Growing Tip:
Partial sun encourages bright yellow color. Grow the plant where it receives morning sunlight and indirect light for the rest of the day.
7. Petra Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’
Native to Southeast Asia, the plant features large wide leaves in the shades of yellow, green, orange, bronze, and burgundy red. It can grow to about 4-5 feet high.
Growing Tip:
Grow it in a large pot in a bright location. Also, check out our list of large houseplants.
8. Oakleaf Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Oak Leaf’
The Oakleaf croton exhibits tri-lobed leaves in shades of burgundy, red, green, orange, and yellow. It can be grown indoors or on walkways.
Growing Tip:
Grow this plant in well-draining soil. It doesn’t like standing water so avoid overwatering.
9. Mother and Daughter Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum ‘Mother and Daughter’
This exotic croton variety shows off long narrow leaves that end in a point and interestingly give an appearance of holding another small leaflet. These leaves are deep green to deep purple with small yellow or ivory dots.
Growing Tip:
‘Mother and Daughter’ variety performs well in dappled shade.
10. Mrs. Iceton Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mrs. Iceton’
This beautiful specimen displays light green leaves shaded with yellow, golden, orange, and red tones. It can reach up 3-6 feet high. This is one of the best types of crotons on the list!
Growing Tip:
Mrs. Iceton croton can be grown in full sun in a cold climate.
11. Mammy Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’
Mammy produces thick, glossy, large curly leaves in the shades of red, green, purple, and bright yellow. It can be grown outdoors as a shrub or indoors as an indoor plant. It can reach 4-6 feet in height. It is one of the best Types of Crotons you can grow!
Growing Tip:
It does well in partial shade to full sunlight. In colder areas, you can bring the plant indoors in winter.
12. Lauren’s Rainbow Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Lauren’s Rainbow’
The long, narrow leaves of Lauren Rainbow have shades of yellow, green, and deep purple. It grows up to 4-5 feet tall with a similar spread. It can withstand both drought and humidity, making it a great choice for a houseplant.
Growing Tip:
‘Lauren’s Rainbow’ does well in full sun to dappled shade.
13. Gold Star Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum varigatum ‘Gold Star’
This beautiful, slow-growing variety has narrow dark green leaves patterned with shiny yellow splashes. This evergreen plant requires little maintenance and is easy to grow. It can reach up to a height of 3-6 feet.
Growing Tip:
Use well-draining soil to grow the ‘Gold Star’ variety. Place it at a spot where it can receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight.
14. Florida Select Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Florida Select’
This showy plant has smooth and medium-sized velvety green leaves with orange, red, and yellow veins. It is poisonous and should not be eaten.
Growing Tip:
This variety has average water requirements, so avoid overwatering. Like other crotons, it prefers full sun to partial shading.
15. Gold Dust Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’
Also known as Sun-Spot Croton, it features bright green oval-shaped leaves sprinkled with golden yellow spots. It can be grown indoors, but requires direct sunlight.
Growing Tip:
Plant this beautiful variety in bright light for vibrant colored leaves. The plant should be protected from the afternoon sun.
16. Bush on Fire Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Bush on Fire’
This croton produces leathery leaves in the shades of pink, green, red, orange, and yellow. The color of the leaves changes with age. It can grow up to a height of 3-5 feet.
Growing Tip:
‘Bush on Fire’ grows best where it receives at least 3-4 hours of daily sunlight and evenly moist soil.
17. Eleanor Roosevelt Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’
“Eleanor Roosevelt’ displays green to purple, long narrow leaves sprinkled with golden yellow hues. This variety was first developed by Henry Coppinger in 1920. It can grow to heights up to 4 feet.
Growing Tip:
Water the plant moderately and avoid overwatering.
18. Banana Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Banana’
Bring colors to your interior by growing this bright croton variety with lance-shaped green leaves splashed with banana-yellow. It can grow up to a height of 3-4 feet.
Growing Tip:
It performs well in light shade with moderate watering.
19. Andrew Croton
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Botanical Name: Codiaeum ‘Andrew’
‘Andrew’ is a popular croton variety that produces narrow, long green leaves with creamy white streaks. It grows to about 3-5 feet high. You can also grow it in hedges.
Growing Tip:
Provide it with lots of indirect bright light for awesome colors!
20. Magnificent Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Magnificent’
It is a compact plant with huge dark green-colored variegated leaves spotted with pink, red, orange, bright yellow, and purple. It usually grows to heights of 5-7 feet outdoors, but can reach 3-4 feet indoors.
Growing Tip:
This variety is shade tolerant, so it would not lose its hue in dim light conditions.
21. Picasso’s Paintbrush Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Picasso’s Paintbrush’
Picasso’s Paintbrush is a variety with thin leaf that lives up to its artistic name with a brilliant pastel color pallet. Its narrow leaves make it look like ornamental grass. It is one of the best Types of Crotons you can grow!
Growing Tip:
Picasso’s Paintbrush thrives best in lots of bright, indirect light and high humidity levels.
22. Chocolate Caricature Jamaican Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Chocolate Caricature Jamaican’
This variety has such a unique set of colors that sets it apart from any other croton variety. The Chocolate Caricature Jamaican Croton looks striking with dark green chocolate-colored leaves and subtle hints of bronze and pastel pink!
Growing Tip:
Water regularly as this plant does not do well in drought-like conditions. Ensure the plant receives about 1-2 inches of water every week.
23. Dreadlocks Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Dreadlocks’
With deep dark green-colored, curled, and twisted leaves, the name suits this variety of croton. The leaves gradually change into bright red, orange, and yellow colors with time.
Growing Tip: Keep the dreadlocks happy with lots of bright, indirect light and fair humidity levels.
FAQ:
Q1: What are some popular Croton plant names?
A1: Some popular croton plant names include Petra, Gold Dust, Mamey, Zanzibar, and Red Iceton.
Q2: Can I choose a Croton plant name based on the plant’s leaf color?
A2: Absolutely! Many Croton plant names, such as Gold Dust, Mamey, and Red Iceton, are based on the plant’s leaf color.
Q3: Is it important to choose a specific Croton plant name?
A3: It’s not necessary to choose a specific Croton plant name, but it can help identify the plant and keep track of its specific characteristics.
Q4: Can I give my Croton plant a name that’s not on the popular list?
A4: Yes, you can give your Croton plant any name you like, whether it’s on the popular list or not.
Q5: How can I choose the best Croton plant name for my plant?
A5: You can choose the best Croton plant name for your plant by considering its unique characteristics and choosing a name that reflects its personality or appearance.