A tropical shrub or woody-based perennial up to 1m high, with an upright habit and oval-shaped, leathery leaves that emerge lime green and mature to shades of green, red, yellow, pink and cream. May produce slender spikes of tiny white flowers in summer, though it rarely flowers when grown as a houseplant and is more prized for its bright foliage
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately while in growth, and sparingly with tepid water in winter. Thrives in consistent temperatures, keep away from draughts and acclimatise gradually if placing outside over summer. See Codiaeum for futher advice
Propagate by air layering in spring, or by softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Dip the cut ends in powdered charcoal to reduce bleeding
Minimal pruning required. Leggy plants can be cut back hard in early spring, but wounds should be dusted with charcoal to prevent bleeding
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Generally disease-free