Croton Petra Live Plant

🌈 Croton Petra Indoor Care Guide

1. Light

• Needs bright, indirect sunlight to keep its colorful leaves.
• Place near a south or east-facing window.
• Avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch the leaves.
• Low light = dull green leaves.

2. Watering

• Keep soil slightly moist, not soggy.
• Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
• Don’t let the plant sit in standing water — use a draining pot.
• In winter, water less often.

3. Humidity & Temperature

• Loves humidity! Mist leaves or use a humidifier.
• Ideal humidity: 50% or higher.
• Keep temperature between 65–80°F (18–27°C).
• Avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature changes — leaves may drop.

4. Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix, like:
  • 2 parts peat moss or coco coir
  • 1 part perlite or coarse sand
• This keeps the soil light and airy.

5. Fertilizer

• Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer.
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) at half strength.
• No fertilizer needed in winter.

6. Pruning

• Trim off yellow or damaged leaves.
• Pinch off growing tips to encourage bushy growth.
• Best time to prune: spring.

7. Repotting

• Repot every 2–3 years, or when roots come out of the pot holes.
• Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger with drainage holes.
• Best time: spring or early summer.

8. Common Problems

9. Propagation

• Use stem cuttings:
  1. Cut a 4–6 inch stem with 3+ leaves.
  2. Dip in rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in moist soil or place in water until roots grow (2–4 weeks).
  4. Pot it when roots appear.

🌿 Quick Summary

• ☀️ Bright indirect light
• 💧 Keep soil moist but not soggy
• 🌡️ Warm (65–80°F) and humid
• 🌱 Feed monthly in spring/summer
• ✂️ Prune for shape and fullness