About

A compact, upright evergreen shrub characterized by its elongated, narrow leaves featuring a mix of yellow and green variegation. The leaves are robust and leathery in texture, making it well-suited as a houseplant that brings a touch of the tropics indoors.

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, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1B

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

5-10 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 under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in good light but shaded from hot sun, with high humidity. See Codiaeum for futher advice

Pruning

Pruning group 9. Cut back leggy plants to about 10cm and dust wounds with powdered charcoal to reduce bleeding

Propagation

Propagate by air layering in spring, or root softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer, after dipping 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