Plant guide
クロトン
Watering rhythm
Every 5–7 days
Croton is a tropical houseplant renowned for its strikingly colorful foliage. Its leaves come in vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, and the colors shift beautifully depending on how light hits them. It's moderately challenging to care for and thrives in warm, humid environments.
Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, but do your best to give the plant plenty of light. Keep temperatures between 15–25°C, and try not to let them drop below 10°C. Maintaining humidity above 50% will keep the leaf colors looking their best.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 4–6 days
Summer
Every 3–5 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 7–10 days
Water thoroughly once the soil surface feels dry—you'll know you've given enough when water runs out the bottom of the pot. Always empty any water that collects in the saucer. Misting the leaves a few times a week keeps them vibrant and helps prevent pests and disease. That said, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | Sudden temperature swings, cold drafts, or insufficient water are the usual culprits. Crotons are quite sensitive to temperature changes. | Keep the plant in a stable spot and maintain temperatures above 15°C. Water consistently and place it somewhere sheltered from drafts. |
| Leaf color becomes dull | Insufficient light is the main reason. Without enough light, croton leaves lose their vibrant colors and turn uniformly green. | Move the plant to a brighter location—a sunny windowsill is ideal. The colors should return within a few weeks. |
| Leaves feel sticky or insects appear | Spider mites or scale insects may have taken hold. They thrive in warm, dry conditions. | Increase humidity by misting more often. For minor infestations, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. For severe cases, use an insecticide. |
| Musty smell from the roots | Too much water or poor drainage has left roots constantly wet. | Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any blackened, rotted portions, then repot in fresh soil and reduce watering. |
| New leaves aren't growing | Low temperatures, insufficient light, or lack of nutrients are holding the plant back. It's not getting what it needs to thrive. | Keep temperatures at 20°C or higher and place the plant in a bright spot. During spring and summer, feed with diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice a month to encourage growth. |
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