Bright south or east-facing spot
Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Light requirement
Ideal near a south or west-facing window — bright room, out of direct rays.
Leaves in every shade of red, orange, yellow and green simultaneously — like autumn in a pot. Needs good light to hold its colour. Sulks when moved but glows when settled.
Plant profile
Light
Bright indirect
Water
Water regularly
Humidity
Average
Growth habit
Bushy
Mature size
Medium (40–90 cm)
Pet safe
Toxic to pets
Care level
Moderate
Water when the top few centimetres feel dry, then water thoroughly. Croton sulks when its roots stay too dry or too wet for long.
Bushy, medium-sized — a full-looking plant for a side table or plant stand.
Contains toxic diterpene esters. Sap irritates skin; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Milky sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion causes digestive upset.
Reacts visibly to changes in care — rewards a consistent routine.
Care guides for this plant