Croton 'Petra' Plant

Croton ‘Petra’ is a tropical evergreen selection grown for broad, glossy leaves marked with green, yellow, orange, and red. Its upright shape and contrasting veins make it useful as a colorful container plant or warm-climate accent. ## Size and siting [Liner Source’s Petra profile](https://www.linersource.com/petra.html) identifies the selection as Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ and gives a mature range of 5–7 feet tall and 2–5 feet wide. The same grower lists full sun to partial shade, regular watering, and well-drained soil. A separate [Petra care sheet](https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/33/33969ab2-8742-4abd-b0d0-2c93a1c43a7c.pdf) describes smaller plants indoors and larger growth outdoors, underscoring how light, pot size, pruning, and watering affect container-grown specimens. ## Growing indoors Give the plant a bright position with indirect light, consistent warmth, and humid air. Let the top layer of potting mix dry slightly before watering, then drain excess water; soggy soil can damage the roots. Avoid frequent moves, which can trigger leaf drop. In frost-free gardens, use it as a focal shrub or hedge accent; elsewhere, bring it indoors before cold weather. ## Maintenance Pinch or prune stems in spring to keep the plant compact and encourage branching. Repot when roots fill the pot, moving it only into a slightly larger container. Croton sap can irritate skin and eyes, and the plant is poisonous if eaten; wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from children and pets.