'Petra' croton guide
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra', also called Petra, garden croton, Joseph's coat
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright direct
- 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 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall indoors
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings or air layering
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Petra' croton different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the croton care guide.
What it is
‘Petra’ is the classic croton. Its large, broad, oval leaves are thick and glossy, veined and splashed in yellow, orange, red, and green. Select-A-Plant lists it from the Costa Farms Trending Tropicals line, at up to 1.8 m (6 ft) tall. New leaves come in green and yellow, then turn orange and red as they age.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Petra’ | Broad, oval, flat, colored veins | Wide, flat leaves |
| ‘Mammy’ croton | Narrow, twisted, curled | Leaves curl and twist |
| ‘Gold Dust’ croton | Small, green with gold speckles | Speckled, not veined |
Care differences
Care is the same as any croton. The colors need several hours of bright light, with some direct sun.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long. Let the milky sap stop. Root it in water or moist soil with warmth. Roots take four to six weeks.
Buying it
‘Petra’ is sold everywhere. Look for full plants with leaves down to the soil.