About
Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum 'Mrs Iceton' is a tropical shrub or woody perennial that can reach heights of around 1 meter. It has an upright growth form with oval, leathery leaves that start as lime green and transition to a mix of green, red, yellow, pink, and cream as they mature. While it can produce slender spikes of small white flowers during the summer, flowering is uncommon when cultivated indoors. This plant is primarily valued for its vibrant foliage.
About the genus
Codiaeum consists of evergreen shrubs, trees, and perennials characterized by their broad, tough leaves that frequently exhibit variegation. In the summer months, clusters of small, star-like flowers, which can be white or yellow, may bloom.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Houseplants
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Toxicity
- Sap may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- 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
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required. Leggy plants can be cut back hard in early spring, but wounds should be dusted with charcoal to prevent bleeding
- Propagation
- 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
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free