How to prune petra croton

Spring, as new growth begins. Using clean, sharp pruners and wearing gloves, cut stems back to just above a leaf node or lateral branch. Reduce leggy stems by up to one-third. Wipe any sap from tool blades immediately. The plant will branch below each cut, producing a fuller shape.

Annually in spring for shape; spot-prune leggy stems as needed through the growing season. Petra Croton responds well to pruning and benefits from it to maintain a bushy, compact shape. Left unpruned it becomes leggy with bare lower stems. Prune in spring by cutting stems back by up to one-third to a leaf node. Wear gloves — the milky sap is a skin irritant and toxic if ingested.

Using clean, sharp pruners and wearing gloves, cut stems back to just above a leaf node or lateral branch. Reduce leggy stems by up to one-third. Wipe any sap from tool blades immediately. The plant will branch below each cut, producing a fuller shape.