Croton Care: Identifying and Fixing Yellowing Leaves

Your mystery plant from a funeral dish garden is a Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)—a naturally colorful shrub with vibrant, variegated foliage. If lower leaves are yellowing, curling, and dropping, the issue is likely environmental.

Croton plant showing leaf yellowing

Common Causes

• Water quality: Hard tap water raises soil pH, locking out nutrients. Switch to filtered or distilled water.
• Light: Crotons need strong, direct sunlight indoors (south/west window). Low light causes leaf drop.
• Temperature: They prefer cool indoor temps (60–75°F). Avoid drafts and heating vents.
• Watering: Water lightly when the soil surface feels dry. Never let sit in standing water.

Recovery Steps

1. Move to the sunniest window.
2. Use filtered/distilled water.
3. Water only when top ½ inch of soil is dry.
4. Remove yellowed leaves—they won't revert.

With corrected conditions, new growth will be vibrant. Crotons are dramatic but rewarding when their needs are met.