Croton setiger is a species of plant known as turkey mullein and dove weed. It is native to most of the western United States and northwest Mexico. It has naturalized elsewhere, including parts of Australia. It is sometimes spelled Croton setigerus and was formerly known as Eremocarpus setigerus.
The croton plant requires frequent watering, but be sure not to over-water. Too much water can cause root rot, but too little water can dry the humidity-loving plant out. You can use new croton foliage as an indicator of water needs, as it will begin to wilt when thirsty.
Semi-shade – this plant needs a lot of sunlight, but it has to be protected from the strongest rays of the sun. In a south-facing window, blinds should be shading it form direct light.
The best fertilizer for crotons is a low-nitrogen, time-released, granular fertilizer, that has an 18-3-6 NPK ratio. You should sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring just as the weather starts to warm up.
Croton plants should only be pruned to remove unhealthy portions of the plant or to maintain a certain shape. Dead leaves or branches should be cut back to their origin, but overgrown leaves or branches can be trimmed just above a node or leaf set. Make sure not to remove more than ⅓ of the stem height at one time.
