Light
Bright, direct to indirect light
Codiaeum variegatum — part of VerIQ's plant care guide library. Not sure what's going on with yours? Scan it in the VerIQ app for an instant, plant-specific diagnosis.
Bright, direct to indirect light
Weekly, keeping soil lightly moist
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Toxic to cats and dogs
Symptoms: Multiple leaves dropping at once.
Likely cause: Crotons are very sensitive to change — cold drafts, being moved, or a sudden environment shift.
What to do: Keep it in a stable, warm spot with consistent light, away from drafts.
Symptoms: The plant's bright red, orange, or yellow coloring fades to plain green.
Likely cause: Not enough light — croton needs bright light to hold its vivid color.
What to do: Move to a brighter spot, ideally with some direct sun.
Symptoms: Fine webbing and stippled, dull leaves.
Likely cause: Dry indoor air.
What to do: Raise humidity, rinse leaves, and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
Yes, its sap can irritate the mouth and stomach and cause vomiting if chewed or eaten.
It needs more light — croton's vivid color depends on bright light, ideally with some direct sun.
It's very sensitive to change; check for cold drafts, a recent move, or a sudden shift in watering or light.
As much bright light as you can give it, including some direct sun, to keep its color vivid.