Plants
Croton care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum · Common name: Croton
A leathery-leaved shrub with green, yellow, red or orange patterns depending on cultivar.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Ample light supports colour; acclimatise it to avoid scorch.
- Watering
- Check the mix often in active growth without keeping it waterlogged.
How to identify it
A leathery-leaved shrub with green, yellow, red or orange patterns depending on cultivar.
Light
Ample light supports colour; acclimatise it to avoid scorch.
Watering
Check the mix often in active growth without keeping it waterlogged.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
It prefers warmth and humidity; protect from abrupt changes and draughts.
Potting mix and feeding
Use a draining mix that retains some moisture, matched to pot size and the drying rate in your home.
During active growth, follow a suitable feed label. First check light, water and roots if the plant is declining.
Problems to check
Leaf drop after a move is common: check light, temperature and pests before watering more.
How to assess yellow leavesCommon question
Why is the colour fading?
Check light and cultivar first; not all have the same pattern.
Botanical source
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