How to care for Croton
Codiaeum variegatum · Euphorbiaceae
A riot of yellow, orange, red, and purple on thick, glossy leaves — few houseplants bring this much color without a single flower. Crotons are famous for tantrum leaf-drop after moves or drafts, but a settled plant in strong light is surprisingly steady. Water roughly every 6 days while it's growing (about every 10 in winter), give it direct sun, kept above 59°F (15°C) — average room humidity suits it.
Care at a glance
Water when the top few centimeters dry; steady moisture prevents the stress that triggers leaf drop.
The more light the more color — a spot with several hours of direct sun keeps it vivid; shade turns it green.
Half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- Cold drafts and chilly rooms — the fastest way to a bare-stemmed croton.
- Ignoring spider mites until leaves are gray and dropping.
- Deep shade, which slowly drains both color and vigor.
Seasonal tips
- Avoid relocating it once settled — every move costs leaves.
- Wipe or shower the glossy foliage monthly to deter mites.
- In winter, keep it warm and bright and reduce watering slightly.
Is it safe for pets?
We have Croton recorded as toxic to cats and dogs.
Full pet-safety details for cats & dogsCare for your Croton on autopilot
Ploomily turns this guide into a Living Schedule — watering tuned to your city’s climate, the season, the pot and the light, and feeding tuned to that same pot, drainage and light, following the growing season and pausing while the plant rests. The founding price in force today is shown in full before you confirm, and locked for as long as you stay subscribed — with 30 days to change your mind.
Build my Living ScheduleMore foliage plants
Toxicity here is informational, not a safety guarantee. Those are our own records, compiled by following the ASPCA's published toxic and non-toxic plant lists and Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list rather than copied from them — confirm anything that matters against Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list, which this one is matched to, or with your vet. If your pet ingested this plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.