Introducing…..Croton ‘Congo’ (Codiaeum variegatum) which produces amazing variegated tropical coloured highlights of reds, oranges and yellows.
In our region this lives outside under the patio in full shade, no direct sun (which will burn the leaves). It is also a suitable indoor plant in indirect bright light to maximise the colouring. It prefers humidity and not too much water. During hot dry summers I give it an additional daily misting.
I purchased this towards the end of winter. It spent 3 months settling into its new pot in the warm spring weather during which time it doubled in size.
Summer is when it really came alive…..lots of new growth….and it grows FAST! The two photos here were taken 30 days apart. New growth is bright, light green, which then turns to darker green as it ages. New highlights begin as yellow, then into orange and then deep red. I am in love with this one!
Happy growing!