'Gold Dust' croton guide
Codiaeum variegatum 'Gold Dust', also called Gold Dust, spotted croton
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- High. Dry air browns the leaves and draws spider mites.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Rich, well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. The sap irritates the mouth, stomach, and skin.
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 60 cm to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings or air layering
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Gold Dust' croton different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the croton care guide.
What it is
‘Gold Dust’ is a croton with small, oval, green leaves speckled all over with gold dots. It has none of the reds and oranges of ‘Petra’. It stays compact.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Gold Dust’ | Small, oval, green with gold speckles | Speckles, no red |
| ‘Petra’ croton | Broad, red, orange, yellow veins | Colored veins and red |
| Gold dust plant, Aucuba japonica | Larger, toothed, gold speckles | Toothed edges, an outdoor shrub |
Care differences
‘Gold Dust’ handles a bit less light than the red crotons. Bright indirect light keeps the speckles crisp.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil with warmth.
Buying it
‘Gold Dust’ is common at garden centers. Look for bright speckles and full growth.