A beautiful ornamental houseplant codiaum is grown for the sake of large variegated leaves. His flowers are inconspicuous, not attracting attention. But the leaves differ in a variety of shapes and colors. With insufficient lighting, their variegation is lost. In order for the codiaum flower, as in the photo, to look in all its glory, it needs a lot of sun and moisture.

Origin

This beautiful tropical plant is native to East India and the Pacific Islands. Of the 17 known types of codiaum, only one is suitable for indoor cultivation - variegated codiaum. The color of the flower leaves varies depending on the growing conditions. This property of the plant allowed breeders to create new decorative varieties.

Name

Codiaum, belonging to the Euphorbia family, has a second name - croton. Codiaeum (lat. Codiaeum), the name of the genus comes from the Greek. κώδεια (kodeia) - "head".

Description

Croton leaves are leathery. Their shape is different - lobed, three-lobed, broadly ovate, oblong-lanceolate. The leaves of even one flower sometimes differ in color. In young plants, they are light, but gradually their color acquires burgundy tones. Leaves are usually colored with several colors, but mainly two shades predominate. The drawing of each sheet is different from the neighboring ones.

Important! The juice of this beautiful plant is poisonous, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis. When contacting with codiaum, take precautions. When finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Despite the external differences, all types of croton need the same care. If there is not enough light, the multicolored color of the leaves is lost and they become completely green. The light should be diffused. On the southern windows, the flower overheats, the optimal mode for it is on the windows of the east and west directions.

Location

Tropical origin dictates the rules of care. Codiaum requires temperature balance, air humidity, and an abundance of light. Only under optimal conditions will it develop well and delight with the beauty of variegated leaves.

For good development, the plant requires a certain temperature regime. In cold weather, the temperature is not lower than 18 ° C, and in summer the codiaum feels most comfortable at 20-22 ° C. In winter, it is advisable to place the flower pot closer to the battery, while ensuring sufficient air humidity. Drafts are destructive for the plant, therefore, even in a warm season, it is advisable not to take flowers to the balcony.

The light-loving plant feels great in the sun, but in hot weather croton is shaded from direct rays. With a lack of light, its leaves lose color and variegation. Codiaum prefers diffused morning and evening lighting, so place the pots on west and east facing windows.

The soil

At the flower shop, you can buy a neutral or alkaline substrate for deciduous plants, enriched with humus. But the best soil for codiaum flowers is a self-prepared mixture containing one part sand and two parts leafy soil.

It is undesirable to add peat, because it is moisture-consuming and leads to waterlogging of the earthy coma.

A good result is obtained by adding crushed charcoal to the soil, which is an antiseptic and at the same time does not allow the soil to cake. Do not forget that Croton just needs good drainage.

Organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable for feeding croton. In winter, it is enough to apply top dressing monthly in the form of a weak solution, and during the growing season, feed it weekly.

Care

It is necessary to water regularly throughout the year, when the top layer of the soil dries up. But it is impossible to allow stagnation of water in the sump and excess root moisture. In hot weather, foliage requires daily spraying with a spray bottle. Water should be taken soft and settled.

Codiaum flowers are completely unattractive - pale yellow in color, and look unpresentable next to colorful leaves. It is better to remove them, so they will not interfere with the plant's development. Prune regularly to create an attractive crown. When the shoots have reached a height of 10-15 cm, the first pinching is performed. Further, as they grow 20 cm, the next pruning is done.

In the store, flowers are sold in a special substrate. At home, transplant Croton into another container to replace the soil. Drainage and a small layer of earth (2-3 cm) are placed at the bottom. The plant must be well watered, then remove the root together with a lump of earth from the old pot and carefully transfer it to a new pot. The voids on the sides are covered with earth. With this method of transplanting, the roots are not damaged and the flower develops well.

In the future, young plants are transplanted after two years, and large ones - after 3-4 years. The reference point, signaling that it is time to replant, are the roots, making their way through the drainage holes. A large croton pot is not required. In diameter, it should only exceed the root system by 1-2 cm. Spring is a good time for transplanting.

Pests, diseases

• process the leaves with a solution containing tobacco, kerosene, soap;
• rinse after processing with warm water;
• treat with Actellika.

Problems arising when growing croton, and how to fix them

1. Leaves lose their variegated color. Adjust lighting.
2. To eliminate leaf burns, rob the flower from direct sunlight.
3. With low air humidity, there is a risk of leaf damage by pests.
4. Brown edges on the leaves indicate an extremely cold room temperature.
5. When the temperature drops to 12 ° C and the flower remains in this temperature regime for a long time, the leaves fade and fall off.
6. Dry air and insufficient watering result in brown discoloration of the tips of the leaves. Codiaum needs regular spraying and wiping of the leaves with a wet sponge.
7. Slow growth and the appearance of small leaves indicate a lack of nutrition. The flower should be transplanted into a large container or fed.

Reproduction

Croton is propagated by both seeds and cuttings. The first method is used very rarely, cuttings are much more popular. It is used throughout the year, but the best results are obtained in February-April. For cuttings, take the tops and part of the semi-lignified shoots. The juice formed on the slices is washed off with water.

Next, fresh cuts are sprinkled with charcoal powder. For better survival, various growth stimulants are used. Cuttings are planted in wet sand or placed in a container of water. The optimum temperature for grafting is 24 ° C.

The substrate must be kept moist and the cuttings need regular spraying.

After about 30-40 days, the cuttings will root, after which they are planted in a container of small diameter. When the lump of earth in the container is tightly entwined with roots, transplant the codiaum into a pot that is a couple of centimeters larger in diameter.

It is believed that the codiaum flower is too capricious. But if he receives affection, warmth, diffused light, timely watering and spraying to create air humidity, then he develops well and pleases with the motley beauty of the leaves.

Watch also the video

Since the Croton transplant takes it hard, you need to know all the features of the process: when it is best to carry it out, what kind of soil and pot is better to use, and much more.

Peculiarities

Croton transplanted once every 2-3 years, in some cases, a transplant is allowed after 4 years.

Can't be touched sick flower. Otherwise, the flower will most likely die.

Croton should not be disturbed during the flowering period. Therefore, the optimal time for a transplant is March. It is at this time that the growing season begins.

Transplantation after purchase is very important for codiaum, it is better to perform it as soon as possible.

The substrate in which the flower "lived" in the store and during transportation at home can lead to the fact that the leaves will dry out and fall off to others, and even plant death.

Croton is transplanted for several reasons:

1. Soil over time depletes, it needs to be replaced;
2. The root system develops and there is little room for it in the pot. Therefore, the appearance of roots on the surface of the earth is a sign that it is time to relocate the flower.

Each subsequent one should be more than the previous one by 2-3 cm... Use plastic or clay.

Clay pots should be covered with a glaze that reduces the risk of drying out the soil and flower.

Transplant instructions

You must first prepare the ground. Its composition depends on age.

For the young, the soil for replanting consists of coarse river sand, leafy soil and sod land, mixed in a 1: 2: 1 ratio. For an adult, a ratio of 1: 3: 1 is taken, respectively.

You can also use soil purchased at the store. Into it it is recommended to add a little leafy ground. Before planting, the soil should spill with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and dry.
The bottom is sure to fit drainage- expanded clay or clay shards. It must fill ¼ parts of the pot.

After preparing the pot and soil, you can start transplanting Croton:

To the bottom drainage is laid, the soil is poured on top. The earth is moistened and a depression is made in the center.

Croton is taken out of the old one. You need to get it out carefully. It is forbidden disassemble its roots and remove the earth from them. The plant is transplanted together with an earthen lump.

Exception constitutes a flower transplanted after purchase in a store. From the roots of such a croton, you need to shake off as much of the substrate as possible. However, parsing roots also Not recommended;

An earthen lump with roots is placed in a recess in a new one and covered with the remnants of new soil. In a pot there should be no voids, therefore, the ground is slightly crushed;

The transplanted croton is watered. After the transplant, it is required high humidity so you need it water daily... Also it is recommended to spray it from the spray bottle.

Seedling (dividing the bush)

Sometimes the plant becomes too crowded in the pot. In this case, it is necessary (to seat).

Pots with drainage and substrate (soil for young and for adults) are pre-prepared. The day before transplanting the plant watered abundantly.

Seating is carried out as follows. The codyemu bush is taken out and divided into several parts: main plant and root babies. Large bush is planted in a large pot with soil for adult plants.

Small appendages placed in small pots with soil for young flowers, covered with plastic wrap and installed to a warm place.

For plants to take root, they need water daily, and the soil temperature should be 30 degrees.

Conclusion

In Croton, a transplant at home takes little time... However, soil preparation, the correct choice of a pot, and further maintenance play important role in health.

And only by precisely observing the technology of transplantation and further care, it will be possible to admire the beautiful view of a tropical flower for a long time.

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Codiaeum - a genus of evergreen trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants of the family Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbiaceae).

The name of the genus comes from the Greek "κώδεια" (kodeia) - head.

The homeland of codiaums is East India, Malaysia, the Sunda and Moluccas, where there are about 17 species of them.

Leaves are leathery, varied in shape: asymmetrical, lobed, three-lobed, oblong-lanceolate, broadly ovate, obtuse or pointed, whole-edged, notched, twisted, tied. The color of the leaves is yellow-green, green, red-brown with yellow, red, orange veins. Young leaves are painted in lighter colors, which are gradually replaced by dark ones and acquire a red-burgundy hue, so one plant is painted in several colors at the same time.

They bloom with inconspicuous yellowish-white small flowers, collected in axillary carpal inflorescences.

Of all the codiaeum species, only the variegated codiaeum (Codiaeum variegatum) and its varieties are used for growing at home. Plants are prized for the beauty of their leaves. Codiaums are used to decorate compositions, create interiors, and compose winter gardens.

Important! Often Codiaeum mistakenly called, although these are different plants from the same family - Euphorbia. Codiaum is a more ornamental plant, used for growing at home, conservatories, etc., and Croton is a wild plant used as a spice, varnishes, in medicine, and even in some alcoholic beverages.

Types of codiaum

Codiaeum affine
Codiaeum bractiferum
Codiaeum ciliatum
Codiaeum finisterrae
Codiaeum hirsutum
Codiaeum ludovicianum
Codiaeum luzonicum
Codiaeum macgregorii
Codiaeum megalanthum
Codiaeum membranaceum
Codiaeum oligogynum
Codiaeum palawanense
Codiaeum peltatum
Codiaeum stellingianum
Codiaeum tenerifolium
Codiaeum trichocalyx

. Synonym: Variegated codiemum variegated variety (Codiaeum variegatum var.pictum).

The native land of the plant is East India, the Sunda and Moluccas, the jungles of Malaysia. Evergreens, shrubs 1.5-2.5 m tall or tall, 3-6 m tall, branched trees with bare branches and shoots. Under indoor conditions, the size of the plant is much smaller (about 50–70 cm).

The leaves are large, up to 30 cm, leathery, with a regular arrangement. The leaves have a variety of bright colors with prominent yellow, red or green veins: all shades of yellow and green, orange and red, sometimes even black is present. The plant also has a wide variety of leaf blade shapes: linear, lanceolate, oval, lobed, guitar-shaped. The edges of the leaves are spirally twisted, wavy, even, with constrictions. Each plant is reminiscent of a riot of autumn deciduous forest colors, and it retains its royal attire all year round for many years.

The plant is dioecious. Male and female flowers differ from each other in structure and are collected in racemose inflorescences. Women do not have petals, men have a corolla and a cup
For the first time in the West, motley codiaum became known in the first half of the 19th century.
Numerous different shapes and grades are available. Of these, the most famous are the following:

Varieties and forms of variegated codiaum

- variety genuinic (genuinum)- leaves are flat, whole-edged, lanceolate or elliptical-lanceolate, apex and base are pointed. On the upper side of the leaf, especially along the central vein, golden or silvery painting is noticeable. Sometimes the leaf also has a reddish tint.

- variety oval (ovalifolium)- the leaves are oblong-oval, flat, whole, rounded-blunt at the tops and at the base, pronounced golden-yellow areas above and along the veins.

- variety painted (picturatum) resembles the previous leaf in shape, but the "second" leaf is narrower and more elongated, rather elongated-lanceolate.
The recurvifolium variety has wide, almost oval, leaves, their edges turned outward.

- variety tortie- the leaf blade is deltoid or cordate at the base, elongated in the upper part, linear with a slightly pointed apex, leaf spiralization is poorly expressed. The leaves of various forms of this variation are distinguished by a variegated color: against an olive-green background, a reddish central vein is clearly distinguished, along which there is a golden stripe, and spots of the same color of irregular shape are scattered on both sides of the central vein. One plant may have leaves that are completely golden or reddish.

- variety trilobium (trilobium)... The base is wedge-shaped or deltoid, the leaf blade is tripartite. The color of the leaf is varied: there are forms with golden central and lateral veins, which are emphasized by spots of the same color. Other plants have wide golden stripes along the central and lateral veins.

- variety wrapped (volutum)- broadly lanceolate elongated leaves are wrapped inward to the stem, as a result of which the plant acquires an almost spherical shape.

- the form narrow-leaved (angustifolium)... Leaves are narrow, linear, 15-20 cm long, 0.5-1.0 cm wide, slightly elongated apex. On a green background, golden spots are randomly scattered; veins can be painted in the same color.

- the form appendage (appendiculatum Celak.) attracts attention with the original shape of the leaves. The broad-ovate or lanceolate-ovate leaf blade narrows at the apex, forming a kind of second petiole, on which a second leaf blade is formed, resembling the main one in shape, but smaller in size. The color is green on both sides, although variegated forms are also present.

- the form curly cultivar Spirale (crispum cv. Spirale)- the leaves are petiolate, prostrate, rather long and narrow, oblong or linear-lanceolate, twisted into a spiral. Within this variety, there are plants with different leaf shapes:

a) leaves are linear-lanceolate with golden veins, forming a mesh pattern on a green background;

b) leaves of the same shape, but spiral-curled with a golden central vein;

c) the leaves are lanceolate, extending from the stem at an angle of 30-45 ° С, rounded, along the central vein there is a golden strip of indefinite shape;

d) the leaves are longitudinally lanceolate, more or less spirally twisted with golden spots diffusely scattered over the green background.

- the form lobe (lobatum)- the leaves are simple, rather large (18-22 cm long, 7-10 cm wide), the leaf blade is three-lobed, the central lobe is elongated, the lateral lobes are shorter, separated from it by a deep notch. The base of the sheet is narrowed. The leaves are green with yellow stripes and spots.

Codiaum varieties

Andreanum- leaves are broadly ovate with a predominance of yellow.

Angustissimu m - the leaves are narrow linear, the veins and edge of the leaf are yellow.

Appleleant- the leaves are yellow, the veins are green, along the edge of the leaf there is a red border.

Aucubifolium- leaves are lanceolate, whole-edged, 15 cm long, 5 cm wide, leathery. The leaf blade is dark green, the veins are light green, yellow spots of various sizes are scattered over the entire surface.

Baron de Rotschild differs in spectacularly colored leaves ranging from olive green to pink and orange with reddish veins.

Bravo- the leaves are lyre-shaped, rather large, 25 cm long, 12 cm wide, leathery, dark green. Young leaves are decorated with a bright yellow stripe along the edge, small yellow spots and a vein of the same color. As they age, the leaves take on a crimson-purple color.

Duke of windsor- leaves are lanceolate, leathery, 30 cm long, 6 cm wide. Young leaves have small yellow spots and endings of veins of the same color on a green background. Adult leaves are olive green; against this background, crimson central veins and small spots of the same color look contrasting.

Indian prince- Leaves are linear, 40-45 cm long, 2.5-4.5 cm wide, widened at the base, tapering at the top, olive green with yellow, red and orange tones.

Norma- the leaves are green with red veins and yellow spots.

Phillip- Lyre leaves, 25 cm long, 9 cm wide, bright green with a bright yellow central vein and yellow spots. Older leaves are dominated by a dark reddish-green color, spots and veins become bright crimson.

Punctatum aureum- Leaves are narrowly lanceolate, 20 cm long, 1 cm wide, green with small yellow spots.

Sanderi- the leaves are lanceolate leathery, 20-30 cm long, 7-10 cm wide, the base and the upper part of the leaf blade are green, the central part in the region of the main vein is decorated with a large bright yellow spot, the color of which is emphasized by small dotted spots.

Weismannii- the leaves are wide, wavy along the edge, the green color of the leaf blade contrasts with red petioles and yellow veins.

Caring for codiaum

Lighting. Codiaums prefer bright, diffused light, they need protection from direct sunlight. Places near the eastern and western windows are best suited for cultivation, near the southern windows it is necessary to provide shading from direct sunlight, at the northern window the codiaums may not have enough light.

With a lack of light, variegated leaves lose their wonderful color. Variegated codiaums need more light than green-leaved ones, but they also need protection from direct sunlight. Provide the lightest possible location in winter.

Temperature. Plants require a sufficiently high and uniform temperature (20-22 ° C in summer and at least 18 ° C in winter). In the room, it is better to keep them in the warmest place - near the radiator (the temperature of the air and soil should be practically the same throughout the year). At the same time, when kept warm, it is extremely important to provide the plant with high air humidity. The codiaum must be kept away from drafts, so it is better not to take it out to the balcony or garden.

Watering. Water the codiaums all year round regularly and abundantly, with soft lukewarm settled water, as the upper layer of the substrate dries up. Stagnation of water in the sump must be avoided. To prevent acidification of the soil in the pot, use a small and cramped dish so that the roots quickly master the earthy clod, but at the same time it is necessary to water it regularly, not allowing the earthy clod to dry out.

The plant needs high humidity, at least 70-80%. Regularly, if possible every day, the plant should be sprayed with soft, settled water (keeping an eye on the low lime content in the water), wiped with a damp cloth and often washed the leaves, once a month a warm shower is useful. To protect it from dry air, you can wrap the pot with wet moss, or even better place it on a stand immersed in a container with water and expanded clay or peat for constant evaporation.

Fertilizer. Throughout the year, codiaums should be fed with mineral and organic fertilizers (from spring to autumn - once a week, in winter - once a month with a weak solution).

Features in cultivation. To form a beautiful crown, codiaums need correct and regular pruning. Pinching of a young plant is recommended. The first is done when the plant reaches a height of 10-15 cm, then, as the shoot grows, every 20 cm, to the outer bud.

Transfer. Codiaums are transplanted in the spring, young annually, large overgrown specimens are transplanted or reloaded every 2-3 years, adding fertile substrate to a larger pot. The substrate is suitable, rich in humus, slightly acidic (pH about 5.5). A mixture for planting can be made up of turf, leaf, humus soil, peat and sand in equal proportions with the addition of pieces of charcoal. Good drainage is essential.
The plant is suitable for hydroponic culture.

Reproduction. Codiaums are propagated by seeds and cuttings. Seed propagation is rarely used, mainly in hybridization works. Plants propagate easily by cuttings and this method is massive.

Cuttings mainly in January-April, however, cuttings are practically possible throughout the year. The top of the shoots, as well as semi-lignified pieces of the shoot, are cut into cuttings. After cutting the cuttings, milky juice flows out, therefore, before planting, it is necessary to rinse them in warm water. The surface of fresh cuts is sprinkled with crushed coal. It is recommended to use the growth stimulator heteroauxin. Cuttings are planted in a distribution box or 1 copy in 7-cm pots. The substrate for planting cuttings is sand, but more often a mixture of sand and peat soil. Can be rooted in water. The temperature for grafting needs at least 24C. Caring for cuttings consists of spraying and maintaining the moisture of the substrate. Rooting takes place within 1-1.5 months. After rooting, the cuttings are planted in 7-8 cm pots. Composition of the earth: leaf - 1 tsp, humus - 1 tsp, peat - 1 tsp, turf - 1 tsp, sand - 1 tsp.

After braiding a lump of earth with roots, they are transshipped into 10-11 cm pots.
Precautions: plant juice is poisonous, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis. Care must be taken when performing any operations. At the end of work, you must wash your hands with soap and water.

Possible difficulties

- Due to a lack or excess of light, the leaves lose their color.

- Due to direct sunlight, burns appear on the leaves.

- Due to dry air or soil, the tips of the leaves turn brown; if the temperature is too low, the edges of the leaves turn brown. For the same reasons, the lower leaves fall.

- Brown tips of the leaves indicate a lack of moisture in the substrate and in the air, and if the edges of the leaf blade are colored in this color, it is necessary to increase the ambient temperature.

- Large leaves easily adsorb dust, and at least 2-3 times a decade they are wiped with a soft damp sponge.

Tags: codiaum, codiaum croton, codiaum care, codiaum photo, codiaum motley, codiaum reproduction, codiaum species

If you want to bring a tropical piece of Polonesia or Malaysia into your home, look out for an evergreen shrub called Codiaum. The plant grows to a height of 50 cm to 70 cm. If you like Codiaum and are ready to provide it with proper care at home, learn the basic rules for caring for this beautiful plant.

This houseplant is rich in a variety of cultivars. It will look especially beautiful in the house Codiaum Peter (see photo), Mammy, Mix, Excelent or Varigatum... Plants with red, dark purple, yellow pink spots with small leaves look spectacular.

It is extremely difficult to achieve flowering at home. This phenomenon is very, very rare. However, if it does happen, then only in the summer. The flower itself is not very effective. He captivates the grower with an incredible variety of deciduous colors. That is why the conversation is worth it so that in the end you enjoy the codiaum of unprecedented beauty.

Care features

Buying this bright plant in a flower shop, many believe that its rough leaves indicate the absolute unpretentiousness of the flower to growing conditions.

This self-belief is already the first mistake. Therefore, to remove yourself from subsequent wrong steps, remember:

• the flower does not tolerate drafts;
• the plant needs a certain moisture;
• leaves should be washed often, and also moistened while removing dust from them with a damp sponge;
• during the growing season, the plant urgently requires feeding for growth and normal development;
• overdrying the earth is strictly prohibited, since it simply kills the flower.

Now let's talk about those factors that guarantee successful caring for a plant at home, so that it looks like it came out of a photo of a glossy magazine:

• lighting - bright, diffused, protection from direct rays is necessary;
• the temperature is high, since the flower is tropical (not lower than 18C);
• air humidity - high, increased. Spraying - every day. Washing leaves - 2-3 times for 7 days;
• watering in the phase of active growing season - abundant, in the cold season - moderate;
• reproduction - in the spring with the help of stem cuttings;
• transplant - if necessary in the spring.

After studying the photo, summarizing the basic conditions that will provide the plant with the required care at home, you can proceed to a more detailed presentation of each of the factors.

Lighting

Codiaeum prefers diffused light and does not tolerate direct sunlight. The most favorable places for its location will be the eastern and western windowsills. (see photo)... In relation to the south side, the plant will have to be shaded from the sun. The north side is undesirable. If you keep the flower on this side, then the color of its leaves will be less bright. This is especially noticeable in variegated species. In any case, care should include providing the plant with plenty of daylight, excluding direct sunlight. In winter, place Croton in the most illuminated place, as shown in the video.

Temperature regime

It is always desirable to grow Croton in conditions of a uniform temperature regime in a room, house, apartment.

Care in this part must also be provided. We understand that in different seasons of the year conditions change, however, they must meet the limits from +18 C (minimum) to +22 C (which can rise higher, but within reasonable limits). In any case, a thermophilic plant always feels great in warmth, even the proximity to heating radiators creates excellent conditions for its growth. Note that soil temperature is just as important as ambient temperature. Try to monitor the humidity of the same air and soil necessary for the plant. Since Codiaum Motley, like any other type of flower, suffers from drafts, do not try to take it out on the balcony on warm days. It will be enough to air the room in which Croton grows.

Watering

The flower also needs regular abundant watering, excluding the winter period. Always adhere to sufficient soil moisture during this time. Croton Motley requires watering from the grower with soft, settled water. The dried top layer will serve as a signal. It is better to water the plant with warm water, while avoiding stagnation in the pan of the flower pot. To eliminate soil acidification, try to plant your codiaums exclusively in tight containers.

This is done so that the roots quickly fill the entire space, as well as absorb the moisture supplied to them faster and more efficiently. Overdrying the soil substrate is strictly prohibited. Codiaum also needs daily spraying with settled water, followed by wiping the leaves and secondary irrigation of the crown. Washing the leaves should be done at least 2 - 3 days during one week. Every month, the plant requires abundant watering in the shower.

To maintain the required moisture level in the soil, wet moss is used at home, in which the pot is wrapped.

There is also another method: the container is placed on expanded clay or peat and on a special stand is lowered into the water ( see photo).

Fertilizing the soil

Croton is fed with both organic and mineral fertilizers. Florists are engaged in this throughout the year, but observing a certain frequency: spring-autumn - once for seven days, and winter - once every thirty days.

Croton transplant

Every year the Codiaum requires a transplant. However, this condition is met when the plant is young. If your flower has a sufficient number of years, a transplant is necessary no more than once every two to three years. ... Transshipment of the plant is also allowed, namely the addition of new fertile soil to the old substrate.

In order for the transplant to be completed successfully for a flower, it is necessary to provide him with a pot slightly larger than the previous one. At home, codiaum prefers slightly acidic soil, in which the pH is no more than 5.5 and with the obligatory presence of humus.

Such a substrate is prepared by mixing in equal parts of sod, leafy soil, sand, peat and humus. Professional growers add charcoal to this substrate, and also drain the bottom of the flower pot. In this case, Codiaum can also be grown hydroponically.

Codiaum (codium) is a unique tall herbaceous plant with roots in some of the islands of Southeast Asia, and in tropical countries such as Malaysia, Australia, and East India. The genus of this evergreen shrub from the Euphorbia family has about 17 species of flowers, of which Codiaum Variegated is the most suitable as a houseplant.

In the wild, this giant reaches a height of several meters, and with proper home care, it can stretch up to 70 centimeters up.

Despite popular belief that this plant is very demanding and capricious, it shouldn't be a big deal if grown properly. It is important to remember that for a full life, he needs a certain humidity, timely watering, removing dust from leaves, proper feeding of the earth, and a complete absence of drafts that can destroy him.

Due to the large number of different varieties of this plant, the appearance of Codiaum can take many forms. Its leaves can be twisted, in the form of lobes, oval, with a sharp or blunt end.

The color scheme is also varied, starting from green and olive shades, and ending with burgundy and rich browns. At the same time, many shades can be present within one flower, making it an excellent bright addition to the home interior.

The conditions for growing codiaeum at home are the same for all species. A flower needs:

• bright, but without direct rays of the Sun, lighting;
• high-quality watering (abundant in the hot season, and moderately in the cold);
• sufficient humidity (at least twice a week, the flower must be washed, and daily must be sprayed with water);
• comfortable temperature, dropping at least 18 degrees Celsius;
• timely spring transplant, and quality breeding.

Main types

The flower got its name due to the color of the leaves, about 30 centimeters long, spread evenly along the trunk of the plant, and decorated with bright green and red veins. For clarity, after the description of each species, a photo of the flower is presented.

This species is distinguished by its narrow, elongated leaves, slightly twisted in a spiral. Their color is bright red, burgundy, with green, yellow and brown streaks.

The Codiaum plant is distinguished by the beauty of the color of its thick, fleshy leaves. Its top is bright green, and below the color spectrum smoothly turns into red shades. The shape of the leaves themselves is standard - oblong, with a rounded end.

Codiaum Mix

This variety has small variegated pointed leaves, no more than 20 centimeters long (in rare cases, the leaves are more expanded, and grow up to 30 cm). Their color is varied, and includes green, yellow, pink, red, and brown shades, often present at the same time on the same plant.

Codiaum Tamara

This variety was bred in England and is dedicated to a beautiful girl with whom the emperor was in love. The leaves of this plant are elongated and wavy at the edges, pointed at the end. They are distinguished by a unique white color with green blotches and veins. In rare cases, pink and yellow shades also come across in this variety. Tamara blooms only in the wild.

Home care rules

An important point is that this plant has a unique feature - it often sheds its leaves when it changes its habitat. Thus, if you buy it in a store, it is possible that all the leaves of the Codiaum will fall off. Gradually, the flower will restore its original appearance, and gain strength, adapting to a new place for itself.

Lighting

The main requirement of this plant for light is the absence of direct sunlight, from which burns can appear on its leaves. In order to properly care for the Codiaum, he needs to create comfortable conditions where the light will be bright, but at the same time diffused.

The most favorable location for it is the window sills of the windows facing the east and west sides of the world. When placing it in the south, you will have to install additional screens for the shade. And if you put a flower on a window facing north, then auxiliary lighting will be required, without which the plant will begin to stretch in length and fade.

Humidity and watering

It is especially important for the Kodium to maintain a moderate humidity at all times. It is impossible to allow the earth to dry out, and stagnation of water in it. As soon as the topsoil has dried, the flower should be watered with soft, room temperature, settled water.

Adequate room air humidity is equally important for this plant. For the flower to feel comfortable, it must be at least 70%.

The Codiaum flower loves water, so it needs to be sprayed daily, wiped from dust several times a week, or rinsed with water, and rinsed in the shower at least 1 time per month.

ADVICE! To maintain the necessary moisture in the pot, you can use moss, which will prevent the soil from drying out and will favorably affect the growth of the plant.

Temperature regime

Codiaum is a tropical plant, therefore it does not like low temperatures and drafts. Do not take it out onto the balcony or other ventilated places. To ventilate the room, it is better to move the Codiaum to another room for a while, so as not to harm it.

The environment for the flower should be kept at a moderate temperature all year round, not allowed to drop below 18 ° C, and try not to exceed 22 ° C too much. The flower will withstand some temperature excess by several degrees without harm to itself, but will not tolerate severe cold.

Transfer

The first action that needs to be done after buying a flower in a store is to transplant it into a more spacious pot, while carefully cleaning the roots. For Codiaum, it is necessary to choose a spacious pot that is larger than the size of its root system, but at the same time not very large, so that the minerals from the ground are completely absorbed for the benefit of the plant. At the bottom, drainage is laid, covered with slightly acidic soil with humus (mixing in equal proportions of sand, humus, peat, leafy and soddy soil, and, if possible, charcoal will help to achieve the desired composition).

In the first few years of its life, the plant requires an annual transplant. This is done in the spring. Later, when the flower grows and grows stronger, it will be possible to transplant it no more than once every two or three years.

Reproduction

Two methods are used for reproduction of the Codiaum. Seed is the rarest because it requires a lot of time and effort to grow. A simpler and more popular way is grafting. It is possible all year round, but the most favorable time for this process is the period from January to April.

Before cutting the cuttings, you need to prepare the charcoal powder. After cutting the cuttings from the tops of the shoots, they must be rinsed, since the juice will come out on the damaged area. Further, the cut site is processed with a previously prepared powder.

The cuttings are planted in the same mixture as described above. The roots will take one to one and a half months to grow. During this period, it is necessary to carefully monitor the temperature regime (24 ° C), keep the soil moist, and spray the cuttings with water daily.

After rooting, the flower, together with the soil on the roots, is transplanted into a more spacious pot, about 8 centimeters in diameter. Later, when the flower is already crowded, it can be transplanted into a more spacious container.

IMPORTANT! The juice of this flower is poisonous and can cause unpleasant consequences for the human body, up to vomiting and diarrhea. In this regard, care must be taken and protective gloves must be used when working with Codium.

Fertilizer

During the year, Codiaum must be fed periodically. For these purposes, you can use both organic and mineral preparations. In winter, this must be done in a more gentle mode - with a weak solution, no more than once a month. In the rest of the year, fertilize the soil once a week.

Bloom

At home, Codiaum rarely blooms. If this happens, then only in the summer. Its inflorescences cannot be called beautiful and spectacular, since they are an accumulation of small white balls.

Problems with improper cultivation

In case of violation of the comfortable conditions for a flower in which it lives, certain difficulties may arise:

• exposing the Codium to direct sunlight, you can burn its leaves, which will make it hurt;
• with the wrong choice of the location of the flower, where there is not enough light, it will begin to stretch in length and fade, it will lose the brightness of its tropical color;
• lack of moisture will cause the leaves to dry;
• low air humidity can lead to foliage falling, and the appearance of harmful insects;
• the accumulation of dust on the crown can cause plant diseases;
• the lowered temperature leads to the fall of the leaves of the Codiaum.

Diseases and pests

• increasing the humidity in the room to the required rate;
• washing the leaves with water, and a specially prepared solution of soap and tobacco;
• processing of leaves with specialized means ("Derris", "Fitoverm", "Fufan").

Damage to the scabbard is also an unpleasant consequence of improper plant care. It manifests itself in the appearance of brownish plaques on the leaves, which begin to dry and fall off. To cope in this case, wiping with a solution of tobacco, soap and kerosene, rinsing with water, and treatment with Actellika will also help.

Taking proper care of your Codiaum flower will allow you to enjoy its tropical vibrant leaf colors all year round. And with comfortable living conditions for him, he will not cause much trouble in terms of its content.