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Codiaeum variegatum

  • gorkemekinci4423
  • Nov 18
  • 2 min read
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1. Brief Description

Codiaeum variegatum, commonly known as garden croton or variegated croton, is a tropical evergreen shrub widely recognized for its striking, multi-colored foliage. Leaf patterns and coloration can include combinations of green, yellow, red, orange, and purple, creating substantial visual volume and ornamental impact in landscape compositions.

2. Botanical Information

  • Family: Euphorbiaceae

  • Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A. Juss.

  • Native distribution: Southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Pacific islands

  • Morphology:

    • Thick, leathery, glossy leaves typically measuring 5–30 cm in length and 0.5–8 cm in width

    • Foliage exhibits variable shapes and venation patterns, often marbled or speckled

  • Flowers: Ornamentally insignificant; produces long, pendulous inflorescences with small, star-shaped blooms

  • Growth size: Can reach 1.5–3 meters in appropriate tropical/subtropical climates

  • Latex / Toxicity: Contains a milky sap (latex) that may cause skin irritation upon contact

3. Growing Conditions

  • Light: Tolerates bright indirect light to full sun; adequate light is essential for vibrant leaf coloration

  • Soil: Prefers well-draining yet moisture-retentive substrates enriched with organic matter

  • Water: Water when the topsoil becomes slightly dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot

  • Temperature & Humidity: Thrives in 18–30°C, with warm, humid air conditions

  • Soil pH: Adapts to slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

4. Care Guidelines

  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release or diluted liquid fertilizer during the active growing season

  • Humidity management: Requires elevated humidity; use humidity trays, misting, or humidifiers if necessary

  • Pruning: Remove old or damaged foliage; pruning encourages a fuller, more compact growth form

  • Repotting: Refresh substrate and ensure good drainage during spring repotting for young plants

  • Safety precautions: Due to latex content, gloves are recommended during pruning or propagation


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5. Landscape Use

  • Specimen/Focal plant: Bold, colorful foliage makes it ideal as a visual centerpiece in gardens

  • Hedge / Border shrub: Suitable for medium-height hedging and boundary definition due to dense habit

  • Container applications: Excellent for terraces, verandas, and interior container landscapes

  • Tropical / Exotic themes: Strong choice for tropical-themed or color-accent planting schemes

  • Mixed planting compositions: Enhances contrast when paired with predominantly green foliage plants

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