Prairie Tea Plant Care

Prairie Tea (Croton monanthogynus) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Croton genus. Prairie Tea is native to the southeastern United States and the southern Great Plains. Prairie Tea is also known as Doveweed.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Prairie Tea 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.

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

Croton monanthogynus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Prairie Tea 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 Prairie Tea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Prairie Tea 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.

Prairie Tea 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.

Prairie Tea 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 Prairie Tea 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.

Prairie Tea 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.

Prairie Tea 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.

Prairie Tea 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.

Prairie Tea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Prairie Tea is native to the southeastern United States and the southern Great Plains. In cooler regions, grow Prairie Tea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.