Crotons are known for their showy foliage and range of bright colors. Sunny Star Croton has deep green, dense foliage with long splashes of neon yellow. Sunny Star is an easy houseplant to grow because it will tolerate a broader range of light than most Crotons. Also known as Codiaeum variegatum, this plant can also be grown outdoors in USDA growing zones 10-11.
Best Locations For Growing Sunny Star Croton
Crotons are statement plants and can add a jolt of color to any indoor space. Sunny Star will tolerate lower light levels and would appreciate the humidity of a bathroom or kitchen. At full size, Croton is best used as a floor plant in a bottom-heavy pot to offset the heavy top growth. Sunny Star Croton is considered low in toxicity, but for safety should not be grown near pets or children.
Sunny Star Croton Sunlight Requirements
The bright light of a south-facing window suits Croton very well. Bright light keeps the colors of the foliage rich and perky. Sunny Star has more green in the leaves and is therefore able to grow in a more shady position with little loss of color. Moving Sunny Star outdoors for the summer will require gradual acclimatization to the brighter light. Direct sun outdoors will bleach the leaves temporarily.
Sunny Star Croton Care
Sunny Star requires fast-draining soil like a succulent and cactus mix or potting soil with fine Orchid bark added. Croton will slow its growth when it is rootbound and has outgrown its pot. Repot only when the roots are beginning to grow from the bottom of the pot. Leaf dropping is a problem that can be remedied by adding humidity and keeping the room temperature at a constant level between 65-80 degrees F.
Watering Sunny Star Croton
Keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Water approximately 1-2 times a week. Misting daily with water will keep the humidity high around the plant. Be sure to use distilled water. Tap water has minerals and salts that can leave white marks on the leaves.
Feeding Sunny Star Croton
Fertilize Sunny Star once a month from April to September. Use a 20-20-20 balanced NPK formulation to support foliage and root growth. A liquid feed is easy to apply in place of regular watering.
Sunny Star Croton Information
Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light
Care Requirements: Easy
Watering Requirements: Above Average – Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.
Pet Friendly: No
Kid Friendly: No
Air Purifier: Moderate
Habit: Upright
Growth Rate: Slow
Mature Height: 4-10 feet
Mature Spread: 2-5 feet
Flowering: Yes
Flower Color(s): White
Flower Shade/Description: White
Fragrant:
Foliage Type: Variegated
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow
Foliage Description: Variegated, Dark Green, Mottled with Bright Yellow.
