Veins with presence
Yellow, orange and reddish lines stand out against green areas, giving each leaf a pattern of its own.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ 12cm
Normal price
€10,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Codiaeumvariegatum‘Petra’
No flowers. Just outrageously overdressed leaves 💃
- Colourful veins
- Glossy leaves
- Bushy habit
- Evergreen
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ brings a whole palette into your home without needing a single bouquet. Its broad, glossy leaves combine deep green, golden yellow, orange and red, with bold veins that look painted by hand. One leaf holds on to more green; another lets warm shades take the lead, creating a display full of small surprises. It is the kind of plant that catches your eye before anything else around it: tropical, expressive and full of personality, ready to give even the simplest interior a distinctive character.
‘Petra’ stands out through the contrast between its substantial, bushy silhouette and the almost graphic details of its leaves. Natural wood brings out its warmth, a pale wall turns it into a focal point, and a group of green plants gives its colours a quieter backdrop. This croton does more than complete a plant display: it adds a signature of its own.
What makes it special
‘Petra’ combines broad leaves with colour that follows the geometry of their veins.
Texture that enhances colour
Leathery, glossy leaves add depth to the palette. The distribution of colours varies naturally from one leaf to the next.
Upright and bushy
Its woody stems gradually form a small shrub. It neither climbs nor produces trailing stems.
Why you will love it: it adds the energy of a colourful decorative piece, with every new leaf offering a variation of its own.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
On a desk or side table near a bright window, with room around the foliage. A cream, charcoal or deep green planter lets the colours stand out. Avoid dark shelves and direct airflow from air conditioning.
Plants that complement it
Green foliage and contrasting textures let ‘Petra’ take the lead. Keep each plant in its own pot, adjusting its position and watering to its individual needs.
- Ficus elastica — deep green, substantial leaves for a calmer backdrop.
- Chamaedorea elegans — fine, airy foliage to soften the display.
- Asplenium nidus — wavy green fronds to contrast with the colourful pattern.
Care at a glance
Light
Plenty of bright, indirect light. Protect from strong summer sunlight through glass.
Water
Water when the top 2–3 cm of mix dries. Let excess water drain and empty the outer pot.
Atmosphere
Steady warmth, ideally 18–28°C, and higher humidity. Avoid temperatures below 15°C.
Pets
Not pet-safe. Keep away from children and animals; the sap can irritate skin.
For this plant
Potting mix & feeding
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, watering, humidity, potting mix and feeding in detail
Light and position
Choose a very bright position with filtered light. Gentle morning sun may be tolerated after gradual acclimatisation. Low light reduces colour intensity and can lead to sparse growth.
Correct watering
Feel the surface and check the pot’s weight. When the top 2–3 cm dries, water evenly and allow it to drain. Avoid repeatedly letting the entire mix dry out. Watering intervals will usually be longer in winter.
Air humidity
It prefers higher, consistent air humidity. In very dry rooms, a humidifier is more effective than occasional misting. Wipe dust away with a damp cloth and inspect leaf undersides for spider mites or scale insects.
Temperature
Keep it in a consistently warm room, ideally around 18–28°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C, cold draughts, contact with cold glass, and direct airflow from heating or air conditioning. Sudden changes can cause leaf drop.
Potting mix
Use an airy, organic mix that retains available moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Ficus Premium Mix is an option for similar moisture and aeration needs. Always use a pot with drainage holes and avoid leaving water standing around its base.
Feeding and repotting
During active growth, use a liquid fertiliser at the labelled rate, accounting for any nutrients already included in the mix. Repot in spring when the roots fill the pot, moving up one size and maintaining the same planting depth.
Botanical identity Cultivar origins The species origins and the background of the cultivated selection
A tropical species
Codiaeum variegatum belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is associated with tropical Southeast Asia and the western Pacific. In its natural environment it develops as a woody evergreen shrub.
The ‘Petra’ selection
The wide range of croton leaf forms has led to many cultivated selections. ‘Petra’ became established for its broad leaves and vivid coloured veins. It is a named cultivar of the species, rather than a separate botanical species.
Preserving the cultivar
‘Petra’ is maintained by vegetative propagation so that new plants retain the traits of the cultivated selection. Its cultivar name describes this identity; it does not mean every leaf has an identical pattern or every plant develops exactly the same shades.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Scientific facts nobody asked for Botanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Croton by common name, Codiaeum botanically
The common name croton is widespread in horticulture. However, Croton is a different genus in the same family. The botanical identity here is Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’.
It can flower, actually
The headline is a little teasing: crotons can produce small, inconspicuous flowers on slender inflorescences. We choose this plant for its foliage, rather than a showy floral display.
Colour is not a photocopy
Leaf age and lighting conditions influence appearance. New leaves do not have to match older ones exactly to belong to the same cultivar.
Propagation needs a stem
Stem cuttings with a node are used to preserve the cultivar’s traits. A detached leaf is not equivalent to a complete stem cutting.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about growth and the plant’s most common signs.
01 Why is it dropping leaves after purchase?
Changes in light, temperature or humidity can trigger leaf drop. Keep its position stable and check that the mix is neither permanently wet nor completely dry. Persistent or heavy leaf loss calls for checking roots and pests.
02 Can I put it in a dark corner?
No. ‘Petra’ needs abundant light for good growth and vivid colour. Choose a position near a window, protected from scorching sun.
03 The new leaves are greener. Is this normal?
Yes, colour can develop as a leaf matures. If all new growth is becoming duller and sparse, check whether the plant receives enough light.
04 How big can it grow?
The plant offered is 30 cm tall in a 12 cm pot. Over the years it can develop into a larger indoor shrub, often approaching 60–90 cm or more, depending on conditions and pruning.
05 Does it need a support or pruning?
Croton is a self-supporting shrub and usually needs no support. For a more compact shape, selectively shorten long stems above a node in spring using a clean tool. Wear gloves because its sap may irritate skin.
06 Is it suitable for a home with pets?
It is not considered safe for cats or dogs to chew. Choose a truly inaccessible position or opt for a pet-safe plant. Wear gloves when pruning, as the sap is irritating.
Shop the look
Lovely apart. Irresistible together.
Choose your pairing
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Your selected lookPlant + pot €18,50 EUR
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📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.