Hi,

Crotons can grow very fast, I suppose wait 'til Spring; but If the root is already coming out the hole now, that suggests it's time to check how crowded its roots are.

If it were mine, I'd check in now, won't hurt the plant to ease it out of the pot & then back in again. These are not fragile plants & I've had them come back from being cut back entirely to the soil line.

When you DO repot it, I'd switch to plastic pot from clay, helps conserve its moisture a bit since Crotons can be very thirsty plants. I used to use pebble tray under mine for added moisture.

If it's a colored one, it needs maximum possible light to retain its multicolored look (or will revert to plain green).

Thanks for your response! I've had success with crotons in clay pots. I mist every day and water every 4 days. I tend to give too much attention to my plants as it is, so I think they need "protection" from a loving drowning.