Croton chilensis Plant Care

Croton chilensis (Croton chilensis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Croton genus. Croton chilensis is native to Northern Chile, distributed in the Antofagasta region.

Croton chilensis displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Croton chilensis produces inconspicuous flowers; grown for its colorful, variegated leaves.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Croton chilensis 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.

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

Croton chilensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Croton chilensis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Croton chilensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Croton chilensis every 4 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 well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Croton chilensis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Croton chilensis can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Croton chilensis 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.

Croton chilensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Croton chilensis can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hance's croton plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Croton chilensis 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.

Croton chilensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Croton chilensis is native to Northern Chile, distributed in the Antofagasta region. In cooler regions, grow Croton chilensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.