Indian croton Plant Care

Indian croton (Bruxanelia indica) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Bruxanelia genus. Indian croton is native to the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, and Hainan. Indian croton is also known as Variegated croton, Garden croton.

Indian croton displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Indian croton produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian croton every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Indian croton thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Indian croton in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Bruxanelia indica tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Indian croton prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Indian croton to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian croton every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian croton is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Indian croton can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Indian croton while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Indian croton is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Indian croton can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division.

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Indian croton is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Indian croton grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Indian croton is native to the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, and Hainan. In cooler regions, grow Indian croton as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.