• Red ruiz crotons display brilliant red foliage.crotons de montagne image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
  
  Crotons are colorful, hardy plants with broad, striped leaves that come in shades of green, pink, red, yellow and even purple. The red ruiz croton is a red variation of the plant that features bright red and green striped leaves mixed in with the traditional green leaves. Red ruiz crotons can grow up to 12 inches tall and are popular houseplants.
  
  

Lighting

• All crotons require plenty of bright light. The plants do well under both natural and artificial light. Although red ruiz crotons can survive in low lighting, the leaves will lose their color and the plant might not thrive and grow. Keep crotons in windows or brightly lit parts of the house, where they'll receive four to six hours of light every day. The characteristic red color of the red ruiz develops only in mature leaves. Do not exceed four to six hours of light, as it may cause red ruiz crotons to fade to green.
  
  

Water

• Crotons absorb and use water quickly and require frequent watering in both indoor and outdoor settings, according to the University of Florida IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Services) Extension. Gardeners should water crotons every day during dry seasons and once a week during cool seasons, with at least an inch of water at every watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Wilting leaves are a sign that a croton isn't receiving enough water.
  
  

Temperature and Humidity

• Red ruiz crotons are warm-weather plants that are intolerant of cold temperatures and dry weather. They prefer temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and might suffer at temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold drafts and cold water can damage the plant. Gardeners should allow tap water to come to room temperature before watering. It's important to keep potted red ruiz crotons in areas with consistently warm temperatures and to protect outdoor crotons with mulching and wind breaks.
  
  

Fertilizer

• Although red ruiz crotons are not heavy feeders, many gardeners apply balanced 10-10-10 (standard balance) liquid fertilizer twice a month to encourage growth. Fertilizer should be labeled as "organic" or "10-10-10" on the label. Mix fertilizer into the plant's water during the summer when the plant is growing. Discontinue fertilizer during the winter, when red ruiz crotons become dormant.