Care guide · moderate care
How to care for Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Written by Benjamin — a plant parent, not a search engine.
How often should I water Croton, and what light does it need?
Crotons paint the room in red, orange and yellow, but they're divas: they need bright light, steady moisture and humidity, and hate being moved. Water it every 4–6 days while it is growing and every 7–10 days in winter, always checking the soil first. Give it bright, indirect light. It is toxic to cats and/or dogs — more detail below.
Last updated August 14, 2026
At a glance
- Watering style
- evenly moist
- 4–6 days growing · 7–10 days winter
- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Humidity
- high
- Pet safety
- Toxic to pets
The short version
The one-sentence rule
Keep the soil consistently moist and the light bright — crotons drop leaves dramatically when anything changes. Humidity keeps their colors vivid.
Light, made concrete
What bright, indirect light actually means
Bright, indirect light — right beside an east or north window, or a little back from a sunny one, with no direct rays touching the leaves.
Pet safety
Is Croton toxic to cats or dogs?
Yes — Milky sap and leaves are toxic — can cause vomiting if eaten. If your pet chews the plant, expect possible mouth irritation or an upset stomach, and call your vet if symptoms are more than mild. Keep it out of reach where you can.
Good to know
Who this plant is for
- ✓color lovers
- ✓bright rooms
- ✓dramatic foliage
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