Some Experience

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum

Boldly colorful leaves in red, orange, yellow, and green. Makes a dramatic statement but drops leaves if conditions change.

About Croton

Native to Southeast Asia, crotons are the most colorful foliage plants you can find, with leaves in brilliant combinations of red, orange, yellow, pink, and green. They thrive in warmth and humidity. Their reputation for being finicky comes from their sensitivity to change—once settled, they're more manageable.

High 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.

Ideal window: South or West-facing windows are ideal. South windows provide consistent bright light throughout the day, while west windows offer strong afternoon sun. Crotons love direct light—more than most houseplants.

Note: Window direction recommendations are based on the Northern Hemisphere.

Note

Crotons famously drop leaves when stressed by change—new location, drafts, or temperature shifts. Give newly purchased plants time to adjust, maintaining consistent conditions.

Moderate — Weekly

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Never let it dry out completely. Consistent moisture prevents leaf drop.

Prefers high humidity. Mist regularly, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Low humidity causes brown leaf edges and leaf drop.

Warm — 65-80°F

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.

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.

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.

Bottom Watering Compatibility

good

Works well with bottom watering but ensure consistent moisture. Crotons hate drying out.

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