The croton flower is also called codiaum. There are about 17 species of this plant, but only the variegated variety is suitable for indoor growing.
The leaves of the variegated croton flower are large enough
This plant is striking in its species diversity. Its leaves have original colors and shapes. They can curl into a spiral or curl.
Popular types of codiaum:
- Motley or many-sided. This is an amazing variety of this plant. Leaves can change shape and color depending on the conditions of detention. The stem of the plant is erect, well-branched. Under favorable conditions, the flower can reach 3-4 m in height, but at home it does not grow higher than 1 m. The photo shows this type of croton. Most varieties have contrasting veins on the leaves. Foliage colors are varied.
- Varigatum. The most popular variety of this codiaum is colored. It grows in the form of a tree, up to 3 m high. The bottom is bare, the leaves are huge, ovoid or lanceolate. The tips of the leaf plate are narrowed on short petioles. Leaves on short stalks, are green and brown. The codiaeum epididymis is another known variety of varigatum. The sheet plates are composed of 2 parts. They are green and variegated. The lobed form is represented by plants with three-lobed dissected leaves. The colors are varied.
The most valuable are plants with variegated foliage, when the leaf plates are decorated with stripes or spots.
It is this species that is suitable for indoor cultivation. Popular varieties:
- “Petra”. This is a sprawling shrub. The leaves are oval or lobed in bright green color with yellow stripes and spots.
- “Excellence”. Three-bladed leaf plates, similar to oak. They have multi-colored stripes.
- “Zanzibar”. The leaves are green, narrow and long. There are orange and red stripes.
- Mrs. Aiston. The plant grows in the form of a bush or compact tree. The leaves are round, large, they have multi-colored spots. There are 2 forms of this variety: “Aiston yellow” with a yellow tint of foliage and “Aiston red”, which has an almost black leaf blade.
Plants can change their color with age, so it can be difficult to determine the variety.
Of all the variety of crotons, it is difficult to choose the most beautiful one. Each variety is good in its own way, therefore it deserves attention from flower growers.