Photo: Croton — Rostyslav Yurechko · CC BY 4.0. Photo resized from the original.
Plant guide
Croton
Codiaeum
Light
Bright light but no direct summer sun: through glass it can scorch the leaves. In shade the leaves lose their bright colours, turn green and may drop.
Watering
Water once the top layer of soil has dried, less often in winter. Rainwater at room temperature is best. Empty the saucer: standing water rots the roots.
Air
Steady warmth all year, never below 15 °C. Cold draughts, temperature swings and dry air can make it drop leaves. Stand the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.
Toxic?
Cats: Unpleasant · Dogs: Unpleasant — More about pets
People: The sap irritates skin and eyes; eating a lot of the plant can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
This is normal
- Leaf colours change as the leaves age — that's not a disease.
- Pruning brings out a white sap that irritates skin and eyes — wear gloves.
Watch out for
Spider miteMealybugLeaf drop after a moveRoot rot
How often for your pot?Days and millilitres for your pot — counted like in the app.
Count it →Sources: RHS · Wisconsin Horticulture · NC State Extension · Pet Poison Helpline. Every line is checked against two of them.