Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' – Croton 'Petra'

Add an explosion of tropical colours to your living space with the Croton 'Petra', a spectacular plant! Recognized by its lush foliage and vibrant hues of green, yellow, orange, and red, the Croton 'Petra' is a true spectacular botanical display. Ideal for brightening any room, it transforms your environment into a vibrant and exotic oasis, promising a striking visual spectacle.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Large, leathery, glossy, and highly variegated leaves. Colours vary intensely with light, ranging from green to yellow, orange, red, and sometimes even purple or black, often with very prominent veins. The foliage is evergreen.
• Flowering: Small, insignificant, whitish or yellowish flowers, rarely observed in indoor cultivation, as the main interest lies in the foliage.
• Light Requirements: The Croton 'Petra' needs bright light, ideally with direct morning sun. Avoid direct sun in summer. If you place it near a south-facing window, start 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) away and gradually move it closer. For optimal colouration, aim for at least 5 hours of direct sun per day. If the leaves are dark, move the plant one meter closer to the window. More light means brighter colours.
• Habit: The Croton 'Petra' has an upright and bushy habit, with dense foliage growing from a central stem.
• Growth: Its growth is moderate to fast indoors. It can reach a height of 60 to 150 cm (2 to 5 feet) and a spread of 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) at maturity, depending on growing conditions.
• Humidity: Requires high ambient humidity. Mist the foliage regularly or place the pot on a tray of moist pebbles. Brown leaf tips indicate a lack of humidity.
• Soil: Prefers a rich, light, and very well-drained potting mix.
• Temperature: Tropical plant, sensitive to cold drafts. Ideal temperatures are between 18 °C and 29 °C (65 °F and 85 °F). Do not expose to temperatures below 15 °C (60 °F).
• Watering: Keep the potting mix consistently moist without waterlogging. Allow the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Usage

• Types of Use: Ideal as an ornamental indoor plant, a focal point in a living room, office, or sunroom. Can be placed outdoors in summer if conditions are warm and humid, but must be brought indoors.
• Decorative Benefits: Its multi-coloured foliage and abundant appearance bring an exotic touch and a burst of vibrant colours, transforming any space into a spectacular botanical display.

Maintenance

• Fertilization: Fertilize monthly from spring to fall with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Reduce frequency in winter.
• Pruning: Prune in spring to maintain the desired shape, promote denser growth, and remove yellowed or damaged leaves.
• Planting:
  • In pots: Choose a pot with good drainage holes. Plant at the same depth as the plant was in its original container. Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring to accommodate its growth.
  • Period: Can be planted or repotted any time of year for indoor cultivation. If moving outdoors for summer, do so after all risk of frost, when nighttime temperatures are constantly above 15 °C (60 °F).