Croton · Codiaeum
A croton is all about color: leaves splashed with red, orange, yellow and deep green. That color comes from light. In a bright window it glows; in a dim corner it slowly turns green.
It is a tropical shrub that likes things steady. Once it settles into a good spot it grows happily for years, but it does not like to be moved, and it will often drop a few leaves in its first couple of weeks in a new home. That is normal, and new leaves follow.
Light is what keeps the color
Give it the brightest spot you have, with a few hours of sun. An east or south window is ideal. The more light it gets, the more red, orange and yellow its new leaves will have.
Then leave it there. Moving a croton from room to room is the most common reason it drops leaves.
Finding the right spot
Pick the spot once, carefully, and let it settle in.
- Right beside an east or south window, or a sunny west window with a sheer curtain in summer.
- Keep it away from doors that open in winter, air-conditioning vents and heat vents.
- It likes warmth: never let the room drop below 60°F.
- In winter, move it as close to the glass as you can without the leaves touching it.
Everyday care
Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
- Light
- Bright light with a few hours of direct sun. Less light means fewer colors.
- Water
- When the top inch of soil is dry, water thoroughly and let it drain. It doesn’t like to dry out completely or to stay soggy.
- Humidity & temperature
- 60–85°F with good humidity. Dry winter air invites spider mites.
- Feeding
- Balanced houseplant food at half strength once a month, March through September.
- Pruning
- Prune leggy stems in spring, wearing gloves. New branches grow below the cut.
- Cleaning
- Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. It keeps the color bright and the pests away.
Toxic to cats and dogs. The milky sap also irritates skin, so wear gloves when you prune. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | Growth picks up. Start monthly feeding, prune if it is leggy, and repot if needed. |
| SummerJune–August | It can spend summer on a porch with morning sun once nights stay above 60°F. Check the soil often. |
| FallSeptember–November | Bring it in by late September, before nights drop below 55–60°F. Check under the leaves for pests first. |
| WinterDecember–February | Brightest window, no drafts, a pebble tray for humidity, and water a little less often. |
Repotting
Repot every one to two years in spring, one size up, with drainage holes and regular houseplant mix. Disturb the roots as little as you can, and expect it to sulk and drop a few leaves for a week or two afterward.
Quick fixes
Leaves dropping
A move, a cold draft, or soil that went bone dry. Keep it steady and warm.
New leaves coming in green
Not enough light. Move it closer to a sunny window.
Fine webbing and speckled leaves
Spider mites, from dry air. Rinse the leaves in the shower and raise the humidity.
Brown, crispy edges
Dry air, or the soil dried out completely.
Droopy leaves
Usually thirsty. Water thoroughly; it should recover by the next day.
Faded, bleached patches
Sudden strong sun. Move it a little back from the glass in summer.
Common questions
Why is my croton losing leaves?
It dislikes change. Cold drafts, a new spot or uneven watering are the usual causes.
How much sun does a croton need?
The more the better indoors: a bright window with a few hours of direct sun.
Can a croton live outside in North Carolina?
Only for the summer. Bring it in before nights drop below 55–60°F.
Is croton sap dangerous?
It irritates skin and is toxic if eaten. Wear gloves to prune and keep it from pets.
More plant care guides
Tropical Trio
Croton · Lemon Lime Dracaena · Golden Pothos
Three houseplants in one planter, each in its own pot, and how to keep all three happy.
Read the guide →Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans and relatives
Medium light, light watering and filtered water. Slow, steady and long-lived.
Read the guide →Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
The easiest houseplant there is. Medium light, water when the top two inches are dry.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com