Yes, it can be pruned back but I wouldn't advise pruning at this time of year; I'd wait until spring to do any major pruning of branches. Crotons are grown in the ground as landscape plants here in Florida where I live so I can't offer much advice on keeping one indoors as a houseplant. I'd be sure the pot it's in is large enough for the root system and use a well draining potting soil; keep the soil barely moist but do not let it get saturated or you will end up with root rot and the demise of the plant. Watering should be decreased during the winter months but you can keep the humidity high by sitting the pot on a tray of moist pebbles or by misting the plant. It needs a bright, warm location; preferably above 60ºF.
