The croton is an easy-to-grow houseplant known for its variegated foliage covered in green, scarlet, orange, and yellow splotches. Here’s how to care for a croton in your home or garden.
About Croton
Croton, also called “garden croton,” are native to the tropical forests of southeast Asia and Oceania. In the wild, they grow as large shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall (in the home or garden, they stay a lot smaller).
Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous—especially the seeds—so it is not recommended for use in homes with curious pets or children. When damaged, croton produce a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin, too.
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Corotons leaves falling and have some pests also
I have some crotons in my backyard. First I had placed them directly in the sun in my garden and the temperature range was between 40C to 48C. Leaves started falling and some even had no leaf at all. I placed them in back yard in a shaded(fiber sheet on top) area some of them survived but some do bring new leaves now an than, and again the leaves are dropped and some of them have pest issues. I had placed a tray under the pot to avoid heat from the ground also. What is the Right Soil Mix and fertilizer that should be provided. What is the best practice to do pest control. Wish I could have shared pics to get the real time support
I love my Croton!!
I treat this plant like a Peace Lily. I sit it in front of a window where it gets lots of direct light, and I only water it when the leaves droop (which is about every 2 weeks). I then use a large plastic cup like you would get from a fast food restaurant and fill that up twice with very lukewarm water (more cool than warm) and water it, and my plant has been flourishing! It’s very easy to maintain and take care of.
croton ill health
I recently got a well-grown croton plant from a nursery. immediately after potting, its leaves started drooping. I am afraid that it would not survive. please help.
How much of the stem should be covered with soil?
How much of the stem should be covered with soil? I don't have a bushel of leaves, maybe a nice bundle, but they are on a stem that is 6 -7 inches above the soil? Do they just keep getting taller?
My crotons are dropping leaves
How can I prevent my crotons from dropping leaves?
Leaf Drop
Leaf drop can be a sign of too much or too little water. Assess your watering and try to find a balance.
Dropped leaves can also indicate a shock of some sort—be it a move from low light to bright light, warm temps to cold temps, etc.
Croton dropping leaves
My croton have dropped most of it's leaves. What is happening and can it be saved?
Pruning narrow leaf golden crotons
My crotons were damaged by a bleach solution from commercial power washing and sealing. The plants lost most of the foliage but are not dying, stems bend but not break. When can I prune them.
Replanting
Hi, I want to replant my Croton in my yard without a pot. What steps do I need to take so it stays healthy?
Droopy croton
Hi I was wondering what I could do with my croton plant. I put it on my northwest facing window which has high light especially in the evenings. I water it every time the soil is dry and I must regularly yet the new leaves are uneven and fully green and the plant is drooping. What should I do?
Croton Care
Hi Ana,
Croton plants like a lot of light. If they don’t receive enough, the new leaves will be green/less colorful. As for the leaves drooping, that most likely means you need to increase the frequency (not amount) of water you give your croton. We hope this helps!
Var croton
My is a Var Croton. One Leaf has a large spot on it. What do yall Think this could be. Thank u
croton drooping leaves
My leaves has started laying down since I repotted it. What can I do about this?
Drooping Croton Leaves
Hi Lewis,
Drooping leaves could indicate that the plant needs more water. Crotons like their soil to be consistently moist, but be careful of overwatering as well.
Crofton petra
Do they like to pot bond?
repotting croton
According to some sources, crotons can be a little more colorful if slightly pot bound. However, they don’t do well if severely pot bound, showing signs such as slow/weak growth or being always thirsty. Check to see if roots are showing on top of the soil and/or through drainage holes. If so, it may be time to repot. Crotons usually don’t take kindly to changing pots and may drop some leaves after repotting until they get used to their new home. Repot only during their growing season, in spring and early summer. Be very gentle to the roots and select a pot that is only slightly wider but at the same depth as the previous. Use a soil similar to the original and water using tepid water. Wait for about 1 or 1-½ months before fertilizing.
I have a problem with the leaves drying up and falling off.
What do I need to do to correct that ?
drying leaves
Leaf drop can be caused by a variety of issues. For example, plant shock from repotting or being pot bound. Temperature that is too low, too high, or too variable can cause brown leaf edges, and brown tips may indicate not enough air humidity or not enough watering. Overwatering can cause leaf drop as well. Be sure to mist your plant regularly, or keep the pot propped up on pebbles in a tray filled shallowly with water and keep it away from cold drafts. A consistently warm and moist environment is key. Make sure that it has enough light, and check for pests. If environmental conditions are the cause, after correcting them, it may take several weeks or a few months for the plant to recover.
Croton plant (indoors)
Why are leaves drying up and falling off?
crotons
My crotons thrive in the summer when they are outdoors. I bring them indoors before we turn on the heat and mist every other day. I try to keep them watered regularly but numerous leaves fall off every time I bring them indoors. Suggestions?