Codiaeum 'Petra'

Petra is a classic cultivar of croton, with brightly coloured veins. Leaves start green with bright yellow veining, then they turn orange as they get older and then eventually become green-and-yellow again, as they mature.

This cultivar was developed in the 1970's by the Italian company "Azienda Floreale Diem" by crossing cultivars Fournier and Norma. It is a winner that was propagated throughout the world in the following years.

About crotons or codiaeums

Codiaeum shrubs are often commonly called crotons, and widely used in tropical gardens, because of their colourful glossy leaves. They are also cultivated as house plants througout the world. They are shrubs native to Malaysia and the larger islands in the Pacific. Crotons natural habitat is open forests and thickets. They do stand shade for months as well as indoor conditions, but they will grow best in high light and will enjoy some hours of direct sunlight. They are very good house plants for a bright room and will stand the dry air of heating much better than other plants. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between watering. Crotons are sensitive to cold and should be kept above 8 C. They enjoy tropical or subtropical conditions, while they do not grow outdoors in the Mediterranean.