Light
Very bright / some direct • approx. 20,000–40,000 lux
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Euphorbiaceae
Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra'
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Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
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One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
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Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
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Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra'
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~30–50% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–35 °C • Avoid below: 16 °C
Humidity
Moist 50–60 %
Growth habit
Upright woody shrub.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 120 cm • Max. spread: 60 cm
Toxicity & safety
Mildly toxic
Origin & habitat
Cultivar of Codiaeum variegatum; species native from Malesia to southwestern Pacific
Outdoor growing
Outside from 18 °C · rain-sheltered spot
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra'
Bold yellow, orange, pink and red venation runs through the pointed oval leaves of Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra'. The glossy leaves are broad and firm, held on sturdy upright stems. Over time, the plant develops into a woody indoor shrub.
New and older leaves can show different colour stages across the crown as they mature. Warmth, bright filtered light and consistent watering help the plant keep its leaves and continue producing new growth.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' veined leaves and growth
- Broad pointed oval leaves
- Colour following the main veins
- Upright evergreen shrub habit
- Thick glossy foliage on woody stems
- Firm leaves on sturdy stems
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' venation and woody growth
Codiaeum variegatum is the wet-tropical species behind the cultivated crotons grown indoors. It belongs to Euphorbiaceae and is native from Malesia to the southwest Pacific. Cultivated forms include narrow, lobed, twisted, spotted and strongly veined plants.
'Petra' is grown for its broad leaves and coloured venation. The leaves are alternate, thick and glossy, with the strongest colour following the main veins. Older stems become woodier with age, while new shoots continue to produce leaves when warmth, light and watering remain consistent.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' care
- Light: Choose a very bright filtered position. Acclimated plants can take gentle direct sun, but harsh midday sun through glass can scorch the foliage.
- Watering: Water when the upper substrate starts to dry. Keep moisture even while the plant is growing and do not leave water standing in the decorative outer pot.
- Substrate: Use a fertile, airy mix with organic matter and mineral drainage. Broad-leaved crotons need both moisture retention and root aeration.
- Temperature: Keep above 15 °C and protect from cold draughts. Warmth around 18–28 °C supports new leaves. Protect it from cold windowsills.
- Humidity: Dry margins and spider mites are more likely in hot, dry air. Broad leaves are easier to check if they are kept clean.
- Feeding: Feed at low strength while the plant is growing well. Reduce feeding after repotting or when growth slows.
- Cleaning: Wipe dusty leaves gently with water. Clean foliage makes scale insects and spider mites easier to spot early.
- Pruning: Prune tall stems once new shoots are active to shape the plant and encourage branching. Wear gloves, as the sap can irritate skin and stain fabric.
- Repotting: Repot once roots fill the container, using a pot only slightly larger. Fresh open mix matters more than moving into a much larger pot.
- Propagation: Stem cuttings or air layering keep the broad, veined leaf form.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' troubleshooting
- Lower leaf drop: Check for cold draughts, recent relocation, dry roots or saturated roots. Start there and keep the plant warm while new growth returns.
- Brown tips or margins: Review dry air, uneven watering and fertiliser salt build-up. Flush the pot and return to more even watering.
- Scale insects: Look for small raised bumps along stems and veins. Remove visible insects and repeat treatment through the next growth cycle.
- Spider mite stippling: Pale dots and fine webbing point to mites, especially in dry heated air. Rinse leaves and isolate the plant early.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' toxicity and safety
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' is not pet-safe. Its milky sap can irritate skin and eyes, and ingested plant parts may cause mouth or stomach irritation. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children, especially after pruning or leaf damage.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' etymology and botanical background
Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss. is the accepted species name for this croton. The genus name Codiaeum is linked to the Ternate vernacular name kodiho, and variegatum refers to variegated foliage.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra'
Sale price€9,50
FAQs about Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra'
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