Croton Care
Crotons have some of the boldest and brightest foliage around. Often vividly marked with bright yellow, orange, and red, these exotic plants have a reputation for being high-maintenance due to their tropical nature, but once they acclimate to their new home, they’re quite low-care.
How to care for your Croton
- LIGHT
Your Croton prefers indirect bright light to direct light. If your croton does not get enough light, you might find the plant grows tall and lanky with sparse leaves that lack rich, dark hues this plant is known for. If you are worried you do not have the right lighting for this plant, use a grow light!
- WATER
Water your Croton when 25-50% of the soil volume is dry. Always check the soil moisture before watering. Water thoroughly until you see water flow out of the drainage hole and discard any excess water in the saucer.
- HUMIDITY
Crotons appreciate a generous amount of humidity. You can boost the humidity by misting the leaves, placing a humidifier nearby, or adding a pebble tray.
- TEMPERATURE
Your Croton is most comfortable in temperatures between 60-80°F.
- FOOD
Feed once a month in the spring and summer when it is producing new leaves with a general-purpose fertilizer at half strength. Always make sure the soil is damp before applying any fertilizer.
- TOXICITY
This plant is considered moderately toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting.
- ADDITIONAL CARE
Don’t panic if your plant drops a few leaves upon arrival. This is a normal stress response common to crotons. Place the plant in the recommended light, water as advised, and allow the plant to adjust to its new environment over the following few weeks. Before you know it you will have fresh, tender leaves that will soon mature to their full, blazing glory!
Common Issues for your Croton
Incredibly dry soil
Crotons prefer their soil to stay consistently moist. Be sure you’re not over or underwatering your plant. Keep a consistent watering schedule–water when the top 2”-3” of the soil are dry.
If you accidentally let your Croton’s soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly drop. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a good soak is in order.
Here’s how to soak-water your plant:
- Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot!
- Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.
- Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
- If not all the soil feels saturated, water your Croton slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
- When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot.
Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your Croton and may cause leaves to drop. Give it some time to adjust.
Not enough humidity
Your Croton is a tropical plant, so it will thrive in more humid environments. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby.
Inconsistent soil moisture
Crotons prefer to have consistently moist soil, but be sure to not over or underwater your plant. Be sure that your watering schedule is consistent–water when the top 2”-3” of the soil are dry.
If you accidentally let your Croton’s soil dry out completely, you may see some leaves drop. It will benefit from a good soak in the sink or tub to properly rehydrate the soil. Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your Croton and cause leaves to drop. Give it some time to adjust.
Not enough humidity
Your Croton is a tropical plant, so it will thrive in more humid environments. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby.
Was the plant just moved, shipped or otherwise shocked?
Generally, houseplants don’t like change. They can be cranky for a few days or even a few weeks after they arrive at your home, or after a move to a new location within your home. Give your plant
some time and it will likely recover by itself if all other care requirements are being met.
Is it getting enough sun?
Your Croton prefers a sunny spot. If it’s placed in an area without adequate light, it will start to shed leaves. The color of your Croton’s leaves will also indicate if it’s receiving enough sunlight. Leaves will grow in mostly green and lack the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellow colors that Crotons are known for if it is in too dark of a spot.
Most of all, be patient!
Let nature take its course – if you’re seeing new growth, keep doing what you’re doing!