Name of a Yellow, Red & Green Leafed Wax-Like Plant

Tropical Origins

• Crotons are native to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Pacific islands. Growing 5 feet or more, these members of the Codiaeum genus do well in warm, humid conditions with partial shade. Crotons can grow outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, making them a feature of gardens in South Florida. Because crotons are sensitive to dry soil and strong direct sunlight, colors are brightest when plants are in partial shade and moist soil.

Joseph's Coat

• Joseph's Coat is a nickname often given to Codiaeum varigatum. Leaves can display red, black, white, yellow and green pigments. Outdoor growers note that leaves remain predominantly green in summer heat, then color up in cooler winter weather. Leaves may change color as they grow. Leaf shapes include waxy-looking spears, ovals and wavy-edged. Plants can reach heights of 3 feet under good growing conditions, although regular pruning can keep them much smaller.

Indoor Cultivation

• Crotons need interior temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees F. Most important, crotons appear to be draft-sensitive. Gusts of air, even if temperate, promote leaf drying and droppage. Humidity levels can be average to above-average; plant leaves are also sensitive to dryness. Growers recommend full sunlight, if possible, preferably from the south or west. Good potting soil and consistent moisture maintain healthy plants. Soil should be kept damp at all times, since plants react badly to both dry and wet soils.

Problems and Solutions

• Suspect temperature fluctuation or an episode of dryness when croton leaves wither rapidly and drop suddenly. Plants can be resuscitated with care Plants are also susceptible to indoor pests, especially spider mites. Examine plants carefully and treat promptly with indoor insecticide. Pests can also be removed by a dousing in the sink, but you should support leaves while washing because croton is prone to leaf drop when the plant is stressed. Drain any excess water from the pot so that soil can rapidly return to a moist but not wet condition. While crotons respond rapidly -- and theatrically -- to unfavorable conditions, they also respond well to good care. A strong fund of vitality means that efforts to restore crotons to health are often successful, no matter how distressed the plant appears.

Safety

• Croton plant parts and sap can be toxic to children and pets. Seek professional help if you find plant parts have been eaten. For adults, the major hazards of the plant's milky sap is damage to clothing. Wash hands thoroughly or wear rubber gloves when handling plants if you have sensitive skin.

Another Multicolored Foliage Plant

• Crotons are one of two plants with red, yellow and green leaves that can be described as waxy-looking. Houttuynia cordata "Chameleon" is a ground cover with ivy-sized leaves in shades of brownish red, creamy yellow and green that is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. A visual change from all-green ground covers, Houttuynia has aggressive growing qualities, spreading through underground rhizomes. The major challenge, once it is established, is keeping it under control. If you want more color outside as well as indoors or have a hard-to-fill space, explore this multicolored foliage plant.