Croton 'Petra' (Codiaeum variegatum) – Colourful Foliage Houseplant (12cm Pot)

The Croton 'Petra' (Codiaeum variegatum), also known as Joseph's Coat or garden croton, is one of the most striking foliage houseplants you can grow indoors. Its broad, glossy leaves appear in a tapestry of red, orange, yellow and green, and no two leaves are quite alike, so every plant looks slightly different.

It arrives as an established young plant in a 1 litre pot, ready to display on a bright windowsill, a sunny shelf or as a statement piece in a living room, bedroom, kitchen or office. It also makes a striking houseplant gift.

Croton needs bright light to keep its colour. A sunny windowsill or bright, indirect light suits it best, and the leaf colour fades to plain green in dimmer spots. It is strictly an indoor plant in the UK, happiest well above about 10C and away from cold draughts or sudden temperature changes, and it appreciates higher humidity, so misting or standing it near a humidifier helps stop the leaves dropping. Water moderately, letting the top of the compost dry slightly between waterings, and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every four weeks over spring and summer.

Croton is toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can irritate skin and the plant may cause stomach upset if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Croton, Joseph's Coat
• Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 100-150cm in height indoors (variety and conditions dependent)
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy evergreen shrub grown as a houseplant
• Perfect For: Bright windowsills, living rooms, houseplant gifts
• Foliage: Broad, glossy leaves in shades of red, orange, yellow and green
• Planting Position: Bright light indoors, away from cold draughts
• Hardiness: Tender, indoor use only, will not tolerate temperatures below about 10C
• Maintenance: Needs consistent warmth and humidity, and drops leaves if chilled, moved or allowed to dry out
• Type: Evergreen Houseplant