This Petra Croton also known as Codiaeum Variegatum Pictum Petra or Golden Petra is a wonderfully colorful tropical plant. There are hundreds of varieties of Croton with many different leaf shapes. They’re hardy in zones 11-12.

They can be a challenge for beginners as an indoor plant. It can seem like one wrong move and the leaves drop. They need steady warmth, light and medium to high humidity. Pebble trays, misting or mini humidifier is important.

It wants bright, indirect light to maintain the color. Many people claim direct sunlight. I disagree. The leaves will scorch. Much more important that it gets 6-8 hours of bright indirect light than direct light. You’ll know if it’s not getting enough light because the colors will fade to green. They don’t like drafts and won’t tolerate it. Ideal temperature range: 60-80 degrees F.

Can feed water soluble fertilizer once a month from early spring through summer’s end. They’re prone to getting a bit leggy, so you can prune them.

Requires well-draining soil. I use gravel at the bottom of the pot and a pot with drainage holes is a must.
It likes deep, thorough watering, but touch test the soil. You want dryness to the touch to be deeper than surface level, so at approximately 3 inches. Moisture meter can help.

It’s particular when it comes to all its conditions. It likes evenly moist soil not soggy, and it doesn’t hold up well to abuse of dry soil. Rewarding plant, but I’d put it in the moderate care, enthusiastic beginner category.