Plant comparison
Croton vs Polka dot plant
Two bold multicolour foliage plants for a bright spot — croton is toxic, polka dot plant is pet-safe.
| Croton | Polka dot plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Codiaeum variegatum | Hypoestes phyllostachya |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days | When the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained potting compost | Free-draining houseplant mix |
| Humidity | 50-70% | 50-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-26°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-11 (annual elsewhere) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 60-150 cm tall indoors | 30-50 cm tall |
| Growth habit | Bushy evergreen shrub | Bushy tender perennial; pinch to keep compact |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Croton — Croton if you prefer its bushy evergreen shrub habit at 60-150 cm tall indoors indoors.
- Choose Polka dot plant — Polka dot plant if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while Croton is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Croton care and Polka dot plant care. For pet-safety detail see Croton and Polka dot plant.
Croton vs Polka dot plant — frequently asked questions
Is Croton the same as Polka dot plant?
No — Croton is Codiaeum variegatum and Polka dot plant is Hypoestes phyllostachya. Two bold multicolour foliage plants for a bright spot — croton is toxic, polka dot plant is pet-safe. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, croton or polka dot plant?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Croton wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days. Polka dot plant wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, every 4-7 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is croton or polka dot plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Croton is toxic to pets and Polka dot plant is pet-safe. Polka dot plant is the pet-safer choice.
How big do croton and polka dot plant get indoors?
Croton matures to 60-150 cm tall indoors, with a bushy evergreen shrub habit. Polka dot plant reaches 30-50 cm tall, bushy tender perennial; pinch to keep compact. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can croton and polka dot plant live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Croton needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Polka dot plant needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.