How Often to Water a Croton

Codiaeum variegatum · Difficulty: Moderate

Tropical Foliage ☠️ Toxic to cats & dogs (can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested)

☀️ Summer / active growth Every 5-7 days

❄️ Winter / dormant Every 10-14 days

Care Snapshot

Light	Bright light, some direct sun for best color
Soil	Well-draining, rich potting mix
Humidity	Prefers higher humidity (40%+)
Temperature	18-27°C (65-80°F), dislikes drafts and sudden temperature swings
Pet Safety	☠️ Toxic to cats & dogs (can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested)

Want a personalized schedule based on your pot size and light? Try the free watering calculator.

Yellow leaves dropping in clusters and a mushy stem base indicate overwatering and root rot.

Dry, crispy leaf edges, dulling leaf color, and leaf drop show up when a croton has gone too long without water.

Croton reacts dramatically to any change - sudden leaf drop after a move or a cold draft isn't always a watering problem, so rule those out first.

Consistency matters more than the exact interval - crotons dislike swinging between soggy and bone dry, so aim for evenly moist soil.

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