Croton Petra is grown for its leathery, glossy leaves splashed red, orange, yellow, and green along boldly colored veins. The colors deepen as each leaf matures, so a single plant carries the whole palette at once. Indoors it makes a colorful upright accent, typically a few feet tall.

Bright light is the key to the color: give it bright, indirect light with some gentle morning sun. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, raise the humidity if leaves look dull, keep it clear of cold drafts, and keep it out of reach of nibbling pets.