Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Toxic to cats and dogs
Vivid multicoloured leaves that need bright light to hold their colour. Keep evenly moist and warm; hates cold draughts.
Toxicity
Toxic
Toxic
Caution
Based on general horticultural consensus, not a pet-poison database.
Pet-safety information is a general guide from the ASPCA's toxic-plant database and covers cats and dogs only. "If eaten" summarises the symptoms ASPCA lists for that plant; how an animal actually reacts depends on how much it ate and on the animal. It isn't exhaustive, isn't veterinary advice, and individual animals vary — never rely on it as the sole basis for a decision about your pet. If you think your pet has eaten a harmful plant, contact a vet immediately.
Care
- WaterEvery 7–10 days
- LightBright, indirect
- HumidityHigh humidity
- Temperature18–27 °C
The same interval the Sabz app schedules reminders from. In autumn and winter the app stretches it; see houseplants in autumn.
Common problems
Croton dropping leaves suddenly
A croton drops leaves in protest at any change — cold air, a draught from a door or a window, a move across the room, the journey home from the shop. Find it a warm, bright, stable spot away from draughts and leave it there; it stops dropping within a few weeks and regrows from the stem. Do not move it again to fix the drop.
Croton leaves going dull green
The reds, oranges and yellows fading to plain green mean not enough light — the colour is a light response. It wants several hours of bright light a day, some direct sun included. Move it nearer a window and the new leaves colour up; the faded ones stay green.
Croton brown edges
Brown, crisp edges are dry air or compost that has dried out fully. Keep it lightly moist — every seven to ten days in summer, when the top few centimetres are dry — raise the humidity around it, and keep it away from radiators.
Similar plants
- Areca Palm safeDypsis lutescens
- Elephant Ear (Alocasia) toxicAlocasia x amazonica
- Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) toxicMonstera deliciosa
- False Aralia safeDizygotheca elegantissima
In the app
Add a croton to Sabz and the watering interval above becomes a reminder, the toxicity verdict sits on the plant's own page, and when a leaf turns, the Check-up reads what you have actually logged to say why.
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