Croton in Luxury Gold & Charcoal Venus Planter

Also known as Joseph’s Coat, the Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) brings biblical levels of drama to your space with its vivid, technicolour foliage. We’re talking reds, yellows, oranges, purples — all on one plant. Honestly, they should’ve called it Skittleton.

This tropical evergreen shrub has thick, leathery, sometimes lobed leaves that start off veined and golden-yellow and slowly mature into rich reds and oranges. In bright conditions, it might even surprise you with sprays of tiny, star-shaped white flowers.

Don’t be fooled by the theatrics — Crotons are slower growers. They’ll eventually reach 1.5m tall and 1m wide, but that might take 5–10 years. Patience is part of the deal. In countries like Fiji, they grow them outside — lucky! But in NZ, this beauty will thrive indoors with the right spot and care.

About That Gorgeous Pot

This is no cheap add-on. You’re getting our luxury hammered gold and charcoal planter — tall, bold, and textured, designed to elevate the foliage and ground the colors in an earthy contrast. It’s that rich auntie energy. Instant room-lifter.

Light Requirements

Crotons need at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light per day, or they can revert their lush colors back to green and their leaves can grow smaller. The ideal place is by windows where it gets adequate light. If you have more windows, even better for this guy!

If you do get direct sun, test the waters with them as it could burn the leaves if they’re not used to full sun. Keep an eye on it and you may need to pull it back a meter or two. Higher light produces more vibrant color and a more compact plant.

Water & Soil Needs

They love loamy, acidic, well-drained soil and prefer to be moist rather than dry. When they dry out, they tend to droop and their leaves become softer. You can leave them in their existing container for a couple of years.

Not sure if you need to repot? Check the roots by gently pulling the plant—if the soil crumbles away, it doesn’t need repotting. Check under the pot; if you see a lot of roots, this indicates it needs repotting, especially if leaves are bulging out the sides.

Temperature & Humidity

When you first get your plant, try to keep humidity high by misting daily and keeping temps between 20–26°C. This helps it climatize to your home environment. I know it seems like a lot of work, but you’ll be rewarded with lush, sexy leaves!

If you’ve got a warm house, don’t let temps go below 20°C when you first get this plant, and avoid drafty windows. After the adjustment period, it should adapt to your home conditions.

Just leave it alone for the first few weeks—don’t keep changing its place. It’s a plant; it has roots and feelings and likes to stay put!

Hot Tips for Croton Success

• When you first get this plant, don’t give any nutrients—let it settle and adjust for 3-4 weeks
• In summer, fertilize every two weeks or use a weekly diluted mix
• Monitor the leaves—yellow tips could be fertilizer burn, so back off for a few waterings
• Once a month, flush the entire pot with plain filtered water to remove salt buildup
• If your Croton drops leaves after arriving, don’t panic! This is normal as they adjust
• Spider mites love Crotons—they should be called “Spidertons”! Spray regularly, especially when you first get it

What You’re Getting

• One stunning Croton with vibrant, multi-colored foliage
• Potted in a luxurious hammered gold and charcoal planter 33cm x 70cm
• Complete care instructions to keep your plant thriving
• A true statement piece that will have visitors asking “Is that real?!”

This isn’t your chill, easygoing plant. This is your diva—vibrant, sometimes fussy, always fabulous. But show it some love, keep it warm and bright, and it will reward you with a leaf show no fake plant could dream of matching.