Mild light shortage

What's happening

When croton gets some light but not quite enough, it dials back its colorful pigments and leans on chlorophyll instead, so the leaves drift toward plain green without the plant stretching or thinning out. It's a milder version of the same problem — the plant is comfortable enough to hold its shape but isn't getting the strong light its bold colors require.

How to fix it

Move it closer to your brightest window so it gets several hours of direct or very bright indirect light each day. An east or south-facing sill is ideal. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two so all sides color up evenly. As the light improves, watch the newest leaves — they should come in noticeably more vivid than the faded ones, confirming you've solved it.

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.