About Croton
Crotons are the most colorful foliage plants you can find, with leaves in brilliant combinations of red, orange, yellow, pink, and green. Native to tropical regions, they thrive in warmth and humidity. Their reputation for being finicky comes from their sensitivity to change—once settled, they're more manageable.
Light
Bright light is essential for vibrant colors. Several hours of direct sun actually helps intensify coloration. Insufficient light causes new leaves to be mostly green and less striking.
Crotons famously drop leaves when stressed by change—new location, drafts, or temperature shifts. Give newly purchased plants time to adjust, maintaining consistent conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Never let it dry out completely. Consistent moisture prevents leaf drop.
Humidity
Prefers high humidity. Mist regularly, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Low humidity causes brown leaf edges and leaf drop.
Temperature
Needs warmth—65-80°F (18-27°C). Extremely sensitive to cold; temperatures below 60°F (15°C) cause leaf drop. Keep away from drafts and cold windows.
Common Problems
Leaf drop
Often caused by environmental changes, drafts, underwatering, or cold. Maintain consistent conditions.
Faded colors
Insufficient light. Move to a brighter location with some direct sun.
Spider mites
Crotons are prone to spider mites. Check leaf undersides regularly and mist to discourage pests.
Styling Notes
Crotons make bold statements as accent plants. Their warm colors pair beautifully with bohemian and eclectic decor. Outdoor patios in summer bring out their best colors.