Houseplant codiaum. A bright representative of the euphorbia family - Croton


Bright, colorful flowers on the windowsill of the house not only attract attention, but also decorate the interior, bring their own accents to it. Lovers of ornamental plants will be interested in growing codiaum. Despite some features of home care, he takes root well indoors, decorating it with his elegant look.

plant varieties

Most often, we grow motley codiaeum (codiaeum variegatum), or simply variegatum, as well as varieties of this species. The homeland of the plant is considered to be the tropical part of Asia. There it is in vivo grows in the form of a tree up to 4 meters, having large dense leaves of 30 centimeters. Their shades depend on the variety.

Sometimes we hear that the flower is called differently - croton. Do not confuse them. They are similar to each other, as they belong to the same family of spurges, but the croton is not so attractive. The codiaum has a property characteristic only of it - a change in the shape and shades of foliage, depending on the conditions of its maintenance.

Codiaeum variegatum is divided into varieties, they differ in the shape of the leaves:

  • adnexal, consists of two parts united by a small jumper;
  • lobed, has shallowly dissected leaves, pointed in the center, and having both a monophonic and variegated color;
  • flat-leaved, has large oval leaves that are slightly wavy.

Varigatum is the basis of many varieties of codiaum, among which the following are quite well known:

  1. Peter. The flower has large cuttings on straight branched trunks, which are arranged alternately, their shape is different. The color combines a green background with a yellow edging, as well as a scattering of specks and veins of the same shade.
  2. Excelent. This variety has oak-like leaves. And the color from yellow-green in the upper part of the stem gradually changes to burgundy at the bottom.
  3. Mammy. The variety has narrow and small leaves in comparison with other varieties. They have a slight waviness. Shades on one sheet go from green to pink and yellow. sheet plate with prominent red vein.
  4. Sani Star. In this plant variety, the yellow shade of the leaves mainly predominates. Green color only at the top and bottom. Their oval shape is pointed at the top.
  5. Mrs Aiston. A plant with wide oval leaves, slightly shortened. The young leaf has a cream pattern, which gradually changes with age to bright spots of red, yellow and pink.
  6. Disraeli. The leaves are lobed. Their upperparts are green with yellow veins and flecks. From below they are brown-brick.
  7. Black Prince. It has a flattened shape. The foliage has an exotic appearance due to the black-green color with big amount spots of red, orange, yellow tint, which are located over the entire surface.

When buying a plant in flower shops, you can often find the name codium mix. This is not a cultivar name. Just under one common name many flower varieties are imported in batches. Therefore, only a specialist can accurately determine which variety it is.

Plant care at home

When buying a plant in a store, you should know how to properly care for it at home. If you do it right, then codiaeum variegatum will become the decoration of the room.

Previously, he was considered very capricious, but now there is a variety of varieties for which care at home will not be too difficult. Important to remember following rules plant content:

  1. Since flowering takes strength from the plant, the buds should be cut off during it.
  2. A tropical plant needs a well-lit place, without direct exposure to sunlight. They sometimes cause leaf scorch.
  3. The optimum year-round temperature during cultivation will be 22-24 degrees. Moreover, the plant does not have a dormant period. Lowering the temperature at home in winter below 15 degrees is detrimental to him. If you decide to open the window during this period with a street temperature of -25 degrees, then not only the leaves, but also the branches will fall off. On the low temperature the room will indicate the browned ends of the leaves. Avoid drafts indoors, and do not place the flower near heating appliances. Window sills are not the best place for him.
  4. For the plant, high humidity at home up to 80% is important. This is one of the main rules when leaving. Otherwise, you will start losing leaves. A container of water next to the flower helps to solve this problem. Once a month, a warm shower will be useful to him, which will save him from dust, you can also simply wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
  5. Codiaum transplantation is carried out as needed. After its roots braid the entire pot and begin to appear from above and below, it will be possible to transplant the bush into a large container. Transplantation is carried out by transshipment of an earthen coma. It is important not to forget about a new good drainage layer of expanded clay. If it will be necessary to add soil, then only a mixture of peat, sand, as well as leaf and sod land is used for this. It is possible to add charcoal. Transshipment is carried out only in spring period. When caring for a plant at home, use gloves, as its milky juice is very poisonous and contains substances harmful to humans.
  6. Codiaum loves to be well watered. For this purpose, use water at room temperature and well-settled.
  7. The plant responds with good growth with regular top dressing. mineral fertilizers. In winter it is held once a month. The rest of the time, the flower is fertilized every two weeks.
  8. To obtain beautiful bush, it is formed in the process of growth. This is done by pinching the top shoot up to two centimeters. After this procedure, they begin to actively grow side shoots. If the plant is strongly drawn out, then it is pruned in the spring. As they grow, all unnecessary and ugly branches are removed, thereby forming a beautiful crown. In places of cut make powder with charcoal.

Plant propagation

The flower propagates by shoots that remain after pruning. They begin to root from the middle of winter. On the shoot there should be several leaves and one kidney. After that, the cut of the cutting is washed from the milky juice and treated with phytohormone powder. It is planted in a pot and covered with a jar to create greenhouse conditions. Rooting takes place within two months. Then the plant is gradually adapted to the conditions of the room.

A flower with a strong bare trunk can be propagated air layers. For this purpose, the trunk is tilted to the soil and fixed in this position, lightly sprinkled with earth. After the part takes root, carefully separate it from the plant and plant it on its own in a container.

Growing a plant at home, you not only get decorative flower, but also become the owner of a good air purifier in your room. To be proud of your pet, you need to properly care for him. Since poor care immediately affects the plant. Its leaves fade, change color, may fall off.

Foreword

The exotic flora of the tropics with an abundance of shapes and colors captures every grower. Fortunately, we can grow a piece of rainforest at home - the codiaum flower (codium, croton) has incredibly colorful foliage and various forms, however, to provide the right care behind this plant is not so easy.

Necessary tools and materials

Sand Expanded clay

Codiaum - a tropical note in the interior

Codium (croton) in its native habitat grows in humid warm conditions, with plenty of sunlight and water. This evergreen shrub is native to Southeast Asia. Under natural conditions, the plant reaches 3-4 meters in height and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It has a reputation for being picky, although it does well indoors with proper care.

Given the variety of species, more than fifteen, with the desire and perseverance, you can find a codiaum flower that fits perfectly into any interior. The main requirement is proper care for him. Some subspecies require very intense light, while others require medium light.

What tropical plants love - croton with character

When buying a flower you like in a store, be prepared for surprises - despite all your efforts and care, the codium (codium) can shed all the foliage in a few days. This is a normal reaction. The thing is that Croton reacts in this way to movement and a new environment. Be careful, continue to care for him and in short term it will grow new leaves.

The main requirement is uniform maintenance of air temperature from 20 °С to 25 °С at different times of the year.

Please note that the plant does not tolerate drafts. The flower requires a lot of sunlight, so place it in windows facing southwest or southeast. IN winter time it is better to move it closer to the batteries central heating without forgetting the humidity. Spray it daily, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every two or three days. Give him a shower at least once a month.

If upper layer soil becomes dry, it is necessary to water the plant soft and be sure warm water. To prevent root rot, remove any remaining water from the flower tray. The more drainage the better. The soil should consist of earth with turf, perhaps adding sphagnum and a small part of the sand. In the warm season, the plant needs to be fed 2-3 times a month, in autumn and winter - no more than once.

Codium flower - care, transplantation and reproduction

Young plants are transplanted annually for the first three years. If the plant grows significantly, then it must be transferred to a larger pot, adding a new layer. fertile soil. Carry out this process only when the roots themselves crawl out of flower pot. The codiaum adheres to the rule - in tight quarters, but not offended.

Decorative leafy plants are popular among flower growers. They are actively cultivated in household plots and on the windowsills of urban apartments. There are many varieties of such crops, some of them are more capricious, while others need only minimal care. The attractive codiaum flower is more of the former than the latter. In order for this plant to please the eye, it is necessary to provide it with suitable conditions cultivation. So, the topic of our conversation today will be the growth of codiaum mix flowers at home.


This is a codiaum mix (photo)

Codiaum is popular among flower growers due to the especially luxurious coloring of its leaves. This flower came to us from the tropical territories of Oceania, as well as South-East Asia. Under the name codiaum mix may be hiding various varieties such a plant, they are simply imported under one common name. Only a specialist can accurately determine the variety of such a pet. In order for the care of the codiaum mix to give its positive results, let's talk about what requirements the plant makes to the conditions of detention.

Features of growing codiaum in a home flower garden

Locations

Such indoor plant very light-loving. But at the same time, it absolutely does not like direct sunlight. That is why readers of "Popular about Health" should grow it on the windowsills of the eastern and western windows. Bright sunlight can cause the leaves to lose their decorative effect. Bright veins and spots on them can become dull and faded, and bright green coloring- brown. When growing codiaum on the southern windows, it is imperative to shade it by sticking parchment paper or special foil on the glass, and tulle can also be used for this purpose.

Temperature requirements

growing in room conditions codiaum mix is ​​quite capricious in terms of temperature environment. A significant decrease in temperature indicators in the cold can destroy the plant. So you should take care that in winter the flower is in a room with a temperature of at least sixteen degrees. In summer, the thermometer should not rise above twenty-five degrees. It is necessary to protect the codiaum from drafts and sudden changes in temperature. Do not take out a pot with a plant on Fresh air.

Optimal watering

As for optimal watering, the codiaum is also not simple in this matter. This is a moisture-loving plant, which at the same time does not tolerate excessive moisture at all. It is necessary to organize watering in such a way that the soil does not dry out, and is not excessively damp. Extremely important role plays the organization of very good drainage.
Watering should be carried out exclusively with water at room temperature, well settled and soft. In winter, it is worth carrying out such a procedure a little less often, and in summer - more often.

Optimal Humidity environment

Since the codium comes from the tropics, it needs high humidity. Such a pet needs regular and frequent spraying.

With dry air, which is usually observed in apartments during the heating season, the codiaum can simply shed its leaves. Also, the plant can be attacked by weevils or spider mites. In such conditions, the care of the plant should include the purchase of an air humidifier or install a tray constantly filled with wet expanded clay.

Transfer

Codiaum has a fairly active growth rate. The root system of such a pet is actively increasing in size, especially at the stage of active vegetation - in spring and summer. Therefore, the owners of this plant sometimes have to transplant several times per season - two or even three. Codiaum is not transplanted in the truest sense of the word. It is transferred to a new container and the remaining space is covered with a new soil mixture. In this case, it is necessary to act with extreme caution so as not to violate the integrity of the earthen coma and, accordingly, the root system.

Best Choice for the cultivation of codiaum there will be a universal soil intended for decorative and deciduous crops. It is best to use a permeable and light soil. As we said above, when transplanting, you can not do without the organization of excellent drainage.

The soil mixture can be made on your own, using leafy and soddy soil, old compost, peat, and sand. In addition, a certain amount of charcoal must be added to the resulting mass.

Possible pests

With high dryness of the air, the codiaum can be attacked by spider mites, scale insects or weevils. To eliminate pests, it is necessary to spray a pet using special acaricidal agents, represented by fitoverm, actellik, neoron, etc. They must be used in accordance with the instructions. You can destroy the scale insect manually by washing the leaves of the plant with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water.

When growing codiaum, it must be borne in mind that all parts of such a plant are poisonous. Therefore, you need to place the flower pot away from children and pets. And when transplanting it, it is necessary to protect your hands with gloves.

Looking closely at the photo of the codiaum mix, it becomes clear that this is a very attractive plant that can be grown in an ordinary city apartment, providing it with optimal living conditions and proper care.

Codium - caring for a plant is extremely simple. The plant belongs to the family of euphorbia evergreen shrubs, whose homeland is Malaysia and East India, where they number more than 18 thousand copies. The leaves of the plant are leathery, various in size and shape, the color is bright shiny (they look like fake ones). The color of the leaves is most often yellow-green, but there are red and orange streaks.

Attention! Often Codiaeum (Codiaeum) mistakenly called Croton (Croton), although this different plants from the same family - Euphorbiaceae.

Plants are easily bred at home on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, a greenhouse, the main thing is to remember. that codiaum does not like bright light. From bright light, the plant will have to be protected by providing diffused light and moist air. A positive factor will be spraying the leaves with water from a spray bottle, room temperature.

Codium is on the list of the most poisonous plants!

But, only its juice, which is inside, is poisonous, so you can safely iron it. This plant is not for a child's room, for obvious reasons. Be sure to keep it away from pets, especially overly curious ones! If your pet is still full, be sure to show it to the veterinarian.

  • Family: Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae).
  • Homeland: tropics of Asia, Oceania.
  • Flowering: rarely indoors, in summer.
  • Height: average.
  • Light: bright diffused. Shade the plant from direct sun.
  • Temperature: 20-22°C in summer and not below 18°C ​​in winter.
  • Watering: all year round regularly and abundantly, with soft, tepid, settled water, as the top layer of the substrate dries up.
  • Air humidity: high. Regularly, if possible every day, the plant should be sprayed with soft settled water (keeping an eye on the low content of lime in the water), wiped with a damp cloth and frequently washed leaves.
  • Top dressing: mineral and organic fertilizers(from spring to autumn - once a week, in winter - once a month).
  • Pruning: shaping throughout the year.
  • Rest period: not expressed.
  • Transplantation: in the spring, young annually, large overgrown specimens are transplanted or transshipped every 2-3 years.
  • Propagation: seeds and cuttings.


The leaves are leathery, varied in shape: asymmetrical, lobed, three-lobed, oblong-lanceolate, broadly ovate, obtuse or pointed, entire, notched, twisted, constricted. The color of the leaves is - yellow-green, green, red-brown with yellow, red, orange veins. Young leaves are painted in lighter tones, 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.
Blooms inconspicuous yellowish white small flowers collected in axillary racemes.

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

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

Codiaeum motley (Codiaeum pictum). The homeland 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. In room conditions, the size of the plant is much smaller. (I have it already 1 meter).

  • 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 forms of leaf blades: linear, lanceolate, oval, lobed, guitar-shaped.
  • The edges of the leaves are spirally twisted, wavy, even, with constrictions.
  • Each plant is reminiscent of the riot of autumn colors of a deciduous forest, 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's do not have petals, men's - with a corolla and a cup
For the first time in the West, codiaum motley became known in the first half of the 19th century.
There are many different forms and varieties.

Codiaum Care

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

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

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

Watering. Codiaums are watered all year round regularly and plentifully, with soft, tepid, settled water, as the top layer of the substrate dries up. Water stagnation in the pan must be avoided. To prevent acidification of the soil in a pot, small and cramped dishes are used so that the roots quickly master the earthen clod, but it must be watered regularly, preventing the earthen clod from drying out.

  • The plant needs high humidity, not less than 70-80%.
  • Regularly, if possible every day, the plant should be sprayed with soft settled water (keeping an eye on the low content of lime in the water), wipe with a damp cloth and wash the leaves often, once a month is useful warm shower.
  • To protect against dry air, you can wrap the pot with wet moss, or even better, place it on a stand immersed in a container of 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).

Growing features. To form a beautiful crown, codiaums need proper and regular pruning. Pinching recommended young plant. 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 ones annually, large overgrown specimens are transplanted or transshipped every 2-3 years, adding a fertile substrate to a larger pot. The substrate is rich in humus, slightly acidic (pH about 5.5). The mixture for planting can be made up of soddy, leafy, humus soil, peat and sand in equal proportions with the addition of pieces of charcoal. Required good drainage.
The plant is suitable for hydroponic cultivation.

reproduction. Codiaums are propagated by seeds and cuttings. seed propagation rarely used, mainly in hybridization work. Plants are easily propagated by cuttings, and this method is widespread.

Cuttings are mainly taken in January-April, but cuttings are practically possible throughout the year. The top of the shoots, as well as semi-lignified pieces of the shoot, are cut off into cuttings.

  • After cutting the cuttings, milky juice flows out, therefore, before planting, they must be washed 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 wiring box or 1 copy in 7-centimeter 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 cuttings needs at least 24C.
  1. Care of the cuttings consists in spraying and maintaining the moisture of the substrate.
  2. Rooting occurs within 1-1.5 months.
  3. After rooting, the cuttings are planted in 7-8 cm pots.
  4. The composition of the earth: leaf - 1 hour, humus - 1 hour, peat - 1 hour, sod - 1 hour, sand - 1 hour.
  5. After weaving a clod of earth with roots, they are transshipped into 10-11 cm pots. Precautionary measures: plant juice is poisonous, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis. Care must be taken when performing any operation. At the end of work, 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 off.
  • - The 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 also painted 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.
  • - At low humidity air codiaum is easily attacked by pests and diseases.
    - At a temperature of 12°C, there is a dulling of the surface of the leaves, and with a long stay at 10-12°C, the leaves crumble.
  • Young leaves are less brightly colored than older ones. This is normal for the plant.

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Caring for codiaum motley

The motley codiaum is unpretentious, but requires constant care, attention and care, which it more than compensates for with its bright beauty and unique charm.
Grow codiaum in bright rooms, protecting it from direct sunlight. This culture is thermophilic, so in winter it is not recommended to allow the air temperature to drop below + 16ºС. In summer, the codiaum requires moderate watering, without drying out the top layer of the substrate; watering is reduced by winter.

Reproduction of codiaum

The codiaum is propagated by apical cuttings, air layering, seeds.

Propagation of motley codiaum by cuttings

Cuttings 9-10 cm long (preferably with one bud and two leaves) are cut from well-ripened lignified shoots. The upper cut is made at a right angle and sprinkled with finely chopped charcoal. The codiaeum cuttings are placed for some time in warm water with the addition of charcoal to wash out the milky juice secreted by the plant. Then they are dried, and to improve rooting lower part treated with growth stimulants - phytohormones. To reduce the evaporation of moisture, the leaves are tied with a tube. Cuttings of motley codiaum can be planted in flower pots or put in cups with water, but it is better to germinate them in a mini-greenhouse in which you need to maintain optimum temperature soil 30C, air 25C.

In a small (up to 12 cm in diameter) pot, 2-3 codiaum cuttings can be placed. To do this, recesses are made in the substrate with an ordinary pencil, into which the prepared cuttings are inserted. The soil at the base is slightly compacted with the same pencil. As a soil, a mixture of peat or sphagnum with fine sand. The substrate is constantly kept moist. pots cover plastic bags or glass jars and set in a warm place, for example, a window sill, which is heated by a heating device.

Codiaum cuttings planted in pots or greenhouses must be sprayed daily. Rooted cuttings after a month and a half can be transplanted into individual containers.

Reproduction of variegated codiaum by air layering

Reproduction by air layering is carried out when the trunk and branches of the codiaum are very bare. Summer is the best time for this procedure. On a lignified stem, 15 cm from the top, a circular incision 1 cm wide is made. At this point, own roots will begin to form at the layer of the codiaum. The cut must be treated with a rooting stimulator (heteroauxin, root) and wrapped with wet peat or sphagnum, with polyethylene on top. Keep the substrate moist for 1 or 1.5 months until the roots appear. When the roots reach 5 cm, the layers are cut off and transplanted into an individual container, covering at first with a bag or jar.


Propagation of variegated codiaum by seeds

Flower growers rarely use seed propagation, since it is difficult to carry out at room conditions, although it is realistic. To do this, the seeds of the codiaum are soaked in phytohormones and sown in a mini-greenhouse, without embedding it in the substrate, just lightly pressing it with your hand. To maintain the necessary moisture, the seeds are covered with a film or glass. The first shoots of codiaum appear in a month.

Problems and solutions

The decorative qualities of the leaves may deteriorate if the plant does not have enough light. To solve the problem, you need to put the codiaum closer to the light source or install fluorescent or sodium sources of additional lighting.

  • If the leaves on the plant turn yellow and fall, as a rule, this indicates the presence spider mite on the bottom sheet.
  • The plant should be sprayed twice with warm water, treated with insecticides if necessary.

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How to properly care?

A shrub with its appearance can signal that something is going wrong in caring for it. It changes the color of the leaves, lowers the leaves down or drops them. The plant loves light, heat, high humidity and languishes from drafts. It is important to adjust watering when growing codiaum. It is best to water when it begins to slightly lower the leaves.

  • Since large leaves easily collect dust, they are wiped 2-3 times a decade with a damp sponge.
  • Occasionally, you can bathe the plant in the shower.
  • In the cold season, it is necessary to ensure that the croton roots do not freeze.
  • Otherwise, the roots may rot.

To form a beautiful crown, the codiaum is regularly cut off, and young specimens are pinched. Plants are transplanted in the spring: young - annually, and overgrown - every 3 years.

Do I need a transplant after purchase?

If the codiaum is bought in a store, it is transplanted from the transport substrate. The roots are carefully but thoroughly cleaned of the substrate. A new pot is selected so that it is slightly larger than the volume of the roots. A good layer of drainage is placed at the bottom of the pot.

Land and fertilizer

Usually codiaums are planted in light, well-permeable soil, consisting of universal soil with the addition of perlite, vermiculite and charcoal in pieces.

Codiaums are fed with mineral fertilizers and organic matter in all seasons, except winter, once a week, and in winter - with a weak solution evenly three times during the winter.

Watering and lighting

Throughout the year as the top layer dries soil mixture the flower is periodically and abundantly watered with settled lukewarm water, preferably soft.

  • Light-loving plants love diffused light.
  • In summer, they feel best on windows facing west and east.
  • On the southern windows they are shaded from the direct rays of the daylight.
  • There is too little light for a flower on a north-facing window.
  • In winter, the plant should be placed in the brightest place.

With poor lighting, the unique color of the leaves turns green, losing its variegation. Water should not remain in the pan. In order to prevent soil oxidation, the plant is planted in a cramped pot so that the roots quickly master the entire soil.

Optimal growing temperature

The plant requires a relatively uniform temperature all year round. +20 °C - +22 °C - in summer and 18 °C - +22 °C - in winter. The temperature of the air and soil mixture should be the same. The flower does not like large temperature drops and drafts. If the soil temperature is too low, the roots may rot.

Reproduction at home

The cut cuttings are washed off from the milky juice, immersed for two hours in warm water. Then they are planted in a small container filled with a mixture of peat, sand and chopped sphagnum, and - under a film or in a greenhouse. Air and spray the seedling twice a day. A month later, roots appear. It is best to propagate by cuttings 5-10 cm long. The leaves are tied into a tube to reduce the evaporation of moisture.

The plant is also propagated by sowing seeds and rooting air layering. The best time for rooting codiaum is the end of winter - spring.

How to plant correctly?

When propagated by layering, the stem without leaves is tilted to the soil layer and sprinkled on it. When the stem takes root, it is cut off from the mother plant and placed in another pot.

Diseases and features of their treatment

The main reason for the appearance of mites on the leaves is dry air.

Methods of struggle: increase the humidity in the room, clean the leaves from pests with a tobacco-soap solution, followed by rinsing with warm water and sprayed with Fitoverm, Actellik, Fufan, Derris.

  • When attacked by scale insects, brown plaques are visible on the stems and leaves.
  • The leaves dry up and fall off.
  • Methods of struggle: the leaves are wiped with a sponge dipped in a tobacco-kerosene-soap solution, washed off and then sprayed with an Actellik solution (1-2 ml of insecticide per 1 liter of water).

Also, the plant is damaged by aphids, worms, weevils and thrips.

Some Helpful Tips

The milky sap of the plant is poisonous, so gloves should be worn when working with it. At the end of work, wash your hands with soap and water.

Due to the toxicity of the juice, the plant must be removed away from babies and pets. You can sprinkle the surface of the soil in a pot with ground black pepper, cats will beware of approaching it.

Why do leaves dry, turn yellow and fall off?

With low air humidity, the codiaum is attacked by pests and diseases - the leaves lose their color, turn yellow, dry, and fall off.

  • Dry air and soil, drafts or poor watering lead to browning of the tips or edges of the leaves, to spots Brown color on them.
  • Too cool temperature or its sharp changes provoke twisting, loss of turgor, the appearance of brown edges on the leaves and the fall of the lower leaves. At a temperature of +12°C, the leaves fade, with a prolonged cold of +10°C - +12°C, they fall off.
  • When exposed to direct sunlight, burns appear on the leaves.
  • In poor light, the leaves lose their variegation of color.
  • With an excess of lighting, bright direct sun, dry light spots appear on the leaves in the heat.

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General information

The leaves of the codiaum are fleshy with veins. Leaf shape different types there is a variety: an oblong oval, lobed with a pointed or blunt tip, and an asymmetrical shape.

The shade of the leaves can also be different, it can be green with yellow veins along the leaf, light olive, rich chocolate with yellowish accents, and also an orange tint. Young plants have foliage light shade, and over time it becomes more dark shades. Basically, each plant has two leaf colors. Flowering occurs in unsightly yellowish with a white tint inflorescences.

The codiaum plant is often confused and called croton due to the similarity of the leaves. But these are completely different plants, well, similar to one of the Euphorbia family. The codiaum flower is grown as home plant. And croton is more used as a spicy plant in medicine, as well as in the manufacture of lacquer products.

Species and varieties

Codium motley or variegated as a synonym. Under natural conditions, this species can reach over two meters in height, and some up to six meters. Such high views, more like trees, with bare stems about 70 cm.

  • The length of the sheet is about 30 cm, arranged alternately.
  • The shade of the leaves is variegated with bright sunny, scarlet or green veins.
  • This species has various shape leaf plates.
  • It can be wide linear, oval oblong, like a blade and similar in shape to a guitar.
  • The edging of the leaves can be in the form of a wave, twisted, spiral.

This plant is dioecious. Female and male features in inflorescences have a difference. The females do not have petals, while the males have a corolla and calyx.

  • Codiaum "Petra" species with even branched shoots and large sinewy leaves that grow alternately. The hue of the leaves is contrasting dark olive, then with a variegated yellow edging along the leaves and veins, of this shade.
  • Codiaum "Excellent" this species has lobed leaves. The shade of the leaves on the surface is greenish with yellow veins along the leaf, and with inside red with brown veins.
  • Codiaum "Mammy" in this variety, the leaves are narrowed and elongated with a slight curling, spirally. The shade of the leaves is very catchy, scarlet with pink and yellow veins in sequence with red.
  • Codiaum "Sunny Star" in this species, the shade of the leaves is mostly painted in sunny tones, but the top and edges of the leaves olive shade. Young leaves are beige tones, and over time they turn into scarlet, sunny shades and pink blotches.
  • Codiaum "Mix" it is a variety that has many varieties. View with sharp edges on the tops of the leaves. The leaf length of this species is about 20 cm. There may be extended linear lengths of such leaves of about 30 cm.
  • Codiaum "Gold sun" decorative look with yellow veins and base color green tint the height of the view is about 30 cm. it is demanding on lighting.
  • Codiaum "Tamara" named after a girl from England, with whom the emperor once fell in love. By his order, gardeners brought out a varietal type of flower and named it Tamara.

The leaves of this species are elongated and with spiral tips. Inflorescences have a light shade. But in indoor cultivation, this variety refuses to bloom. The height of the plant is about 150 cm. The leaves are sinewy with a light green tint and white veins. There are also yellow blotches or scarlet.

Codiaum home care

Lighting for the plant requires bright, but diffused, when exposed to direct sunlight, burns appear on it. It is better to place indoors on the east or west side of the room. On the north side of the codiaum, there may not be enough lighting, for this it is necessary to provide the plant with an additional source of lighting, a daylight incandescent lamp.

With insufficient lighting, the plant begins to stretch and loses its colorful saturated shades, because of which it is very valuable and attractive.

  • The plant is quite thermophilic, so the air temperature in the room and in the ground should be without fluctuations.
  • In summer warm time, the temperature should be in the range of 19-24 degrees.
  • And in winter, not lower than 18 degrees.
  • During the heating season, it is better to keep the plant near the battery so that there are no temperature drops.
  • But for this it is necessary to provide sufficient air humidity.

The plant is difficult to tolerate drafts, and does not need airing in the summer on the balcony and in the garden.

Watering and humidity

Soil moisture plant requires constant and plentiful. Stagnation of moisture and soil oxidation lead to the death of the root system. Watering should be done with settled, soft water, at room temperature.

  • To avoid stagnation of moisture in the soil, it is better to plant the codiaum in a cramped container.
  • This is necessary so that the rhizome fills the soil faster.
  • Good drainage to the bottom of the tank is also required.
  • Watering should be done constantly, allowing to dry out only slightly on the surface of the soil.

The air humidity in the room where the codiaum is contained must be at least 70%. The plant needs daily spraying from the sprayer. Once in 30, a warm shower is useful for the plant, as well as periodic wiping of dust from the leaves with a damp cloth. For additional moisture, it is better to pour water into the pan and cover it with pebbles or moss, this is necessary on hot summer days.


Fertilizer for codiaum

The plant always needs top dressing. The plant should be fed in the summer every seven days, and in cold period once every 30 days, half the dose of fertilizer indicated in the instructions. Mineral and organic supplements are suitable for top dressing.

  • Cut off the codiaum should be to form a bush.
  • This should be done for the first time after the plant reaches a height of about 15 cm. It is necessary to pinch the upper buds.
  • The next pinching is done after the plant grows another 20 centimeters.
  • Accordingly, the apical buds are pinched from each shoot.

Codiaum transplant

Transplantation is needed for young plants every year in spring time. Adult overgrown individuals must be transplanted as the container is filled with the root system. During transplantation, the plant is transferred to another container along with the main soil, and the gaps are filled with new soil.

Soil for codiaum

The soil for the plant needs nutritious, loose and slightly acidic. Can be purchased prepared soil for indoor deciduous plants or prepare the soil yourself.


How to propagate codiaum at home

Propagation by cuttings can be done almost all year round. For this it is better to cut apical stalk or a stiffened piece of the stem about 10 cm long. On the cut, it is necessary to wash off the milk juice and process it with charcoal crushed into flour. Then the plants are treated with a root growth stimulator and planted in the ground.

  • The rooting soil consists of coarse sand or sand in equal proportions with peat soil.
  • Caring for the cuttings consists in periodically spraying the plants and moistening the soil.
  • The temperature for rapid rooting is required within 24 degrees.
  • You can also root cuttings in water.

The root system of the plant appears after about 45 days. After rooting, the plants must be planted in separate containers.

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Features of codiaum care

There is an opinion that the plant is quite picky and the codiaum requires special care At home, this is not entirely true. Codiaum needs bright light, but at the same time diffused, it cannot stand direct exposure to sunlight - burns may appear on the leaves from them. The best place for the codiaum there will be a window facing east or west. The codiaum plant located on the north window may experience a lack of lighting in this case as well. the variegated color of the leaves is lost. Codiaums with variegated leaves require more light than green-leaved ones.

  • For good health, the plant needs the temperature to remain uniform: in summer 20-22 degrees and in winter it does not fall below 18.
  • It is advisable to place the plant closer to the radiator in winter.
  • At the same time, it is important for the plant to maintain high humidity.
  • It is known that drafts are detrimental to codiaum, therefore it is advisable to protect the plant from them and not take it out even in good weather to the balcony.

For codiaum, it is important that watering is regular and plentiful throughout the year. For irrigation, it is recommended to use soft settled water, water when the top layer of the substrate dries. Do not allow stagnant water to form in the pan. So that the soil in the pot does not turn sour, it must be small size, then the roots will completely occupy the earthen room. In this case, regular watering is required so that the earth ball does not dry out. Codiaum requires high humidity air (70-80%).

It is advisable to spray the plant daily with soft water and give it a bath in the shower at least once a month.

Top dressing of codiaum with fertilizers, both mineral and organic, should be carried out weekly from spring to autumn and monthly in winter, using a weak solution.

  • The flowers of the codiaum are not at all as beautiful as the leaves: they are yellowish-white and inconspicuous.
  • It is recommended to remove them so that they do not take away the strength of the plant.
  • For the codiaum to form beautiful crown, you need to regularly and correctly trim.
  • The first pinching of the plant is done in young age, when its height reaches 10-15 cm, in the future, as it grows, the shoot is cut off after 20 cm.

Transplantation and reproduction of codiaum

So that the plant does not stop growing and does not begin to lose leaves, a codiaum transplant is required in a larger diameter pot. To do this, carefully, so as not to damage the earthen ball, the plant is transferred to another pot. The best time to transplant codiaum is spring. Young plants need to be replanted annually, and large overgrown plants - every 2-3 years. For codiaum, a substrate enriched with humus, pH 5.5, is suitable. You can independently prepare a mixture for planting, for this you will need in equal parts; After buying a codiaum in a store, you need to transplant it from the transport substrate. It is important to thoroughly clean the roots from the substrate. The size of the new pot should be slightly larger than the volume of the roots. Be sure to put a layer of drainage on the bottom of the pot.

  • leafy earth;
  • sod land;
  • humus land;
  • peat;
  • sand.

It is advisable to add a few pieces of charcoal and be sure to have good drainage.

An unusually beautiful codiaum can be propagated in two ways:

  • seeds;
  • cuttings.

Propagation by seeds is rarely used, the more popular method is propagation by cuttings. Cuttings are possible throughout the year, but the period of January-April is considered a more favorable time. Cut off the top of the shoots, often semi-lignified pieces of the shoot, into cuttings. In places where the cuttings are cut, milky juice is formed, so the cuttings must be washed in warm water before planting. Fresh cuts must be sprinkled with crushed charcoal powder. You can use a growth stimulator (heteroauxin).

  • The cuttings are planted in a substrate consisting of sand or a mixture of sand and peat soil.
  • For cuttings, it is required to maintain a temperature of 24 degrees.
  • Cuttings must be sprayed and the substrate kept moist.
  • The rooting process lasts 1-1.5 months.
  • Rooted cuttings can be planted in pots with a diameter of 7-8 cm.
  • When a lump of earth is braided with roots, the plant needs to be transplanted into a pot of a larger diameter.

Some safety measures are required: codiaum juice is poisonous, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. If the juice of the plant comes into contact with the skin, contact dermatitis may develop. Therefore, it is important to strictly observe caution when working with codiaum, and after completing any work with the plant, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

Codium diseases, treatment and prevention

  • over time, the leaves begin to fall off;
  • if no action is taken, the plant dies.

The reason for the appearance of the tick- too dry air. Necessary:


If the codiaum is affected by the scab, then brown plaques appear on the stems, leaves of the plant. First the leaves dry up, then fall off. Treatment:

  • leaf treatment with tobacco-kerosene-soap solution (using a sponge);
  • washing the leaves with warm water;
  • treatment with Actellik solution (at the rate of 1 ml of the drug per 1 liter of water).

Possible problems related to care and how to eliminate them:

  • leaves begin to lose their beautiful color with insufficient or excessive lighting;
  • burns form on the leaves if direct sunlight hits;
  • low air humidity leads to browning of the tips of the leaves;
  • the edges of the leaves turn brown if the room temperature is too low;
  • the lower leaves of the codiaum fall off if the room temperature drops;
  • the tips of the leaves turn brown if the plant is not watered enough or the air in the room is too dry;
  • the risk of pest damage increases if the air humidity is low;
  • the leaves of the codiaum fade if the temperature drops to 12 degrees and begin to fall off, staying at this temperature for a long time.

At proper care codiaum pleases with colorful leaves all year round. The plant will be grateful for the conditions created and the care shown for it. And finally, watch the video about codiame-croton, in this video there is how general information and some secrets and features for caring for him at home.

cveti-rasteniya.ru/kodieum-uxod-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html

A beautiful decorative houseplant, codiaum is grown for its large, variegated leaves. Its 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. Out of 17 known species only one codiaum is suitable for indoor cultivation - motley codiaum. The color of the leaves of the flower varies depending on the growing conditions. This property of the plant allowed breeders to create new decorative varieties.


Name

Codium, belonging to the Euphorbiaceae 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 becomes burgundy tones. The leaves are usually colored in several colors, but two shades predominate. The drawing of each sheet is different from the neighboring ones.

Important! Juice it beautiful plant poisonous, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis. When in contact with codiaum, take precautions. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap when you are done.

Despite external differences, all types of croton need the same care. If there is not enough light, the multi-color color of the leaves is lost and they become completely green. Light must be diffused. On the southern windows the flower overheats, optimal mode for him - 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 subject to optimal conditions it will develop well and delight with the beauty of variegated leaves.

For good development The plant needs 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 desirable to place a flower pot closer to the battery, while providing sufficient air humidity. Drafts are detrimental to the plant, so even in warm weather it is advisable not to take flowers to the balcony.

A 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 their color and variegation. Codiaum prefers diffused morning and evening lighting, so place pots on windows facing west and east.


The soil

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

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

A good result is the addition of 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 fertilizing croton. In winter, it is enough to fertilize monthly in the form of a weak solution, and during the growing season, feed weekly.

Care

It is necessary to water the whole year regularly, when the topsoil dries up. But you should not allow stagnation of water in the pan and excess root moisture. In the hot season, foliage requires daily spraying with a spray bottle. Water should be taken soft and settled.

The flowers of the codiaum are completely unattractive - pale yellow, and next to the colorful leaves they look unpresentable. It is better to remove them, so they will not interfere with the development of the plant. To form an attractive crown, do regular pruning. When the shoots have reached a height of 10-15 cm, the first pinch is performed. Further, as they grow by 20 cm, the next pruning is done.

In the store, flowers are sold in a special substrate. At home, transplant the 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 watered well, then the root must be removed from the old pot along with a clod of earth and carefully transferred to a new pot. The voids on the sides are covered with earth. With this method of transplantation, 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. A landmark signaling that it's time to transplant is the roots breaking through the drainage holes. Croton does not need a large pot. In diameter, it should only exceed 1-2 cm root system. auspicious time for transplanting is spring.

Pests, diseases

  • to process the leaves with a solution containing tobacco, kerosene, soap;
  • rinse after treatment with warm water;
  • treat with Aktellika.

Problems that arise when growing croton and how to solve them

  1. Leaves lose their variegated color. Adjust lighting.
  2. To eliminate leaf scorch, rob the flower from direct sunlight.
  3. With low air humidity, there is a risk of damage to the leaves by pests.
  4. Brown edges on the leaves signal an excessively low temperature in the room.
  5. When the temperature drops to 12 ° C and the flower stays in this for a long time temperature regime leaves wither and fall off.
  6. Dry air and insufficient watering lead to brown coloring of the tips of the leaves. Codiaum needs regular spraying and wiping 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 both by seeds and cuttings. The first method is used very rarely, cuttings are much more popular. It is used throughout the year, but top scores receive in February-April. For cuttings, take the tops and part of the semi-lignified shoots. The juice formed on the cuts is washed off with water.

Next, fresh sections 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 cuttings is 24 °C.

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

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

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

See also video

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