Croton Petra in pot
Croton Petra in pot
Foliage color green yellow red croton Petra
Foliage color green yellow red croton Petra
Contrasting stripes of Petra croton
Contrasting stripes of Petra croton
Credit: Latteda
Croton flowers
Croton flowers
Credit: Cherri Gavin

Codiaeum variegatum Petra, a green, yellow and red croton

Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' is not native to Jordan. It is a cultivar, a variety obtained in the laboratory from the botanical Codiaeum variegatum. But its green and yellow foliage is dotted with red, reminiscent of the stones of the famous shrine.

How to recognize the Petra croton, Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra'?

The Petra croton reaches a height of 1.5 meters. It is an upright perennial shrub with a single or branched stem.

Its glossy, leathery leaves are broader than those of other varieties. Oblong, with pointed tips. The green blades are enhanced by yellow veins and red margins.

Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' is grown for its decorative, evergreen foliage. Indoors, the plant rarely flowers. But don't be surprised if star-shaped yellow flowers appear.

If you let them fade, the flowers turn into fruit: a round, black berry.

Some studies claim that the Petra croton has depolluting properties. Although Codiaeum variegatum can purify your home, it is toxic to you, your children and your pets. Its sap contains a highly irritating white latex. It causes mouth burns when ingested and eczema if it comes into contact with the skin. Always wear gloves when handling your plant!

Our maintenance tips

Once you've installed your Croton Petra, don't move it again. Plants hate change. Give it a bright spot, but don't stick it up against the glass. In winter, the temperature difference between day and night could kill the plant.

WateringWatering

Petra Crotons can withstand neither drought nor excess water.

Before watering, check the condition of the potting soil. The surface must be at least one centimeter dry.

SpraySpray

Petra Crotons like humidity. Mist your plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Avoid spraying tap water. It leaves white marks on the foliage.

As well as improving hygrometry, spraying helps to prevent pest infestations.

RepottingRepotting

In spring, transfer your Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pierced pot two or three times the size of the previous one. Line the bottom with clay balls or gravel to promote drainage.

Then pour in a layer of potting soil for green plants. Plant your Croton Petra in the center of the pot and add substrate.

Press down to remove air bubbles and water with room-temperature water to accelerate rooting.

The plant is toxic. Remember to wear gloves and wash your hands after repotting.

FertilizationFertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Give your Croton Petra a green plant fertilizer to support its growth.

Follow the instructions on the product! If you overdose, you could damage its foliage.

CleaningCleaning

Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Croton Petra growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.

Remember that petra Crotons are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.

PrunePrune

Petra Crotons are toxic. Wear gloves when handling them.

If you wish to control the shape of your Croton Petra, prune any branches that have become too large using clean, sharp pruning shears.

Has your plant lost a lot of leaves? Cut bald stems flush. Always cut above a node to facilitate healing.

CuttingCutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Remove a lateral stem of about fifteen centimeters with clean, sharp pruning shears. The plant is toxic. Wear gloves during the operation and wash your hands afterwards.

Remove the leaves at the bottom and keep only one or two pairs at the top. You can dip the tip in cutting hormone to increase your chances of success.
Plant your graft in a pierced pot filled with potting soil for seedlings and cuttings. Bury the stem, but not the leaves.

Stem cuttings are done in a smothered state. Cover the pot with a translucent plastic bag or place it in a mini greenhouse. Place in semi-shade, in a room with a temperature of at least 24 degrees.

Aerate for a few minutes each day, and spray the substrate if it dries out.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family Euphorbiaceae - Euphorbiaceae
Type Croton - Codiaeum
Species Croton - Codiaeum variegatum
Lifecycle Perennial
Foliage Evergreen
Exposures
Substrat
Planting method
In pots
Categories
Tags
Fritillary
Soiffarde
Toxic
Origins
Southeast Asia
Oceania
Hardiness (USDA) 12a
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color

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