Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra'

Cultivation history and natural origin of Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra'

'Petra' originated from the 1970s breeding programme at Azienda Floreale Diem Nursery in Italy.

A later mutation of 'Petra' produced more yellow colouring and was named 'Yellow Petra'. Codiaeum variegatum occurs naturally from Malesia to the south-western Pacific.

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra' care guide

• Light: Bright filtered light helps the leaves develop strong vein colour and keeps growth compact. Protect the leaves from intense midday sun through glass.
• Water: Water when the surface of the mix has begun to dry. Water thoroughly so the whole root ball is evenly moist, then let all excess water drain. Room-temperature rainwater is useful where tap water is very hard.
• Humidity and temperature: Moderate to high humidity and steady warmth suit 'Petra'. Keep the plant above 15°C and away from cold draughts.
• Potting mix: Use a loose, free-draining, slightly acidic mix in a pot with drainage holes.
• Feeding: Feed during active growth with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser according to the label. When growth slows in cooler, darker conditions, water less often and pause feeding until fresh growth resumes.
• Leaf care: Wipe the leathery leaves occasionally with a soft damp cloth.
• Repotting and pruning: Repot when roots crowd the container. Long shoots can be pruned to help the plant grow fuller.
• Propagation: Young stem cuttings can be rooted during active growth; keep them warm while roots form.
• Handling: Wear gloves when cutting stems because Croton sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets that may chew it.

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) 'Petra' problems and fixes

• Leaves drop soon after delivery or a move: Transport and a sudden change in temperature or light can cause 'Petra' to drop leaves. Keep it in a warm, stable spot with bright filtered light and check that the root ball stays evenly moist.
• New growth loses the strong vein colour: Light is probably too low. Increase filtered light gradually and check the next leaves for stronger colour.
• Fine webbing and tiny pale speckles appear: Spider mites are likely. Isolate the plant, rinse both sides of the leaves and use a houseplant treatment labelled for spider mites and repeat it as often as the label says. Our spider mite guide covers the follow-up checks.
• Firm brown bumps or sticky residue appear: Scale insects may be feeding on the stems or leaf veins. Isolate the plant, remove visible scale and apply a houseplant treatment labelled for scale and repeat it as often as the label says.
• Leaves turn yellow and the roots are soft and dark: Root rot is likely after the potting mix has stayed wet for too long. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away rotten roots with a clean, disinfected tool until firm healthy tissue remains, discard the affected material and repot in fresh free-draining mix. Follow our root rot guide for recovery steps.

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) ‘Petra’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs, and avoid contact with its sap.
• The sap can irritate the mouth, digestive tract, skin and eyes.
• Exposure may cause burning mouth pain, vomiting, stomach pain, or skin and eye irritation. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

Codiaeum: name and publication history

Codiaeum is a Latinized form of kodiho, a vernacular name from Ternate in Indonesia.

Adrien Henri Laurent de Jussieu established the genus Codiaeum in 1824 in De Euphorbiacearum Generibus, page 33; Georg Eberhard Rumphius had proposed the name.

Carl Linnaeus first described it as Croton variegatus in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1199. Adrien Henri Laurent de Jussieu later placed it in Codiaeum as Codiaeum variegatum in 1824 in De Euphorbiacearum Generibus, pages 80 and 111; Georg Eberhard Rumphius had proposed the name.