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How to water a Croton plant

Publicerad November 20, 2025

How to water a Croton plant

How to water

Feel the soil: the top layer (about 2 inches or more) should be dry before giving your Croton more water. There are several ways to water a Croton - they’re not very picky, as long as you don't water them too much. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the soil is wet or moist - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Crotons are somewhat drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to stress about them drying up a bit.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put your Croton back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

It's easier to overwater a Croton than the opposite, so make sure your plant have been allowed to dry up properly before you water it.
— Planta tip

Vanliga frågor

When should I water my Croton?

You should water your Croton when the top layer of soil, about 2 inches or more, feels dry to the touch. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

What are the ways to water a Croton?

You can water a Croton by pouring water over the soil, using bottom watering, or giving it a water bath. Choose the method that works best for you, ensuring the plant never sits in standing water.

Can I overwater my Croton plant?

Yes, it is easier to overwater a Croton than to underwater it. Always make sure your plant's soil has dried up properly before watering it again.

Are Croton plants tolerant to drought?

Crotons are somewhat drought-tolerant, so you do not need to worry if their soil dries out a bit between waterings.

How do I perform bottom watering for my Croton?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water, ensure the soil is in contact with the water, and wait about 10 minutes. Check if the soil is moist throughout; if not, add more water and wait 20 more minutes before removing any excess.

How to water a Croton (top watering method)

  1. Feel the soil to confirm the top 2 inches or more are dry before watering.

  2. Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

  3. If you have a tray underneath, remove all collected water afterwards to prevent the plant from sitting in it.

  4. If you watered under a tap, ensure water has stopped running from the bottom before placing the plant back.