I hav ethis large house plant that we rescued from the discounted gardening section at the grocery store, but it didn't come with a tag... dont have a pic, but it is woody at base, and has bright yellow speckles on the leaves. Any ideas? thanks!
Croton??? at least that is the label on mine but it looks like yours not the pics I have found. Hope some one will be along soon and recognize it Liz
Looks very like Aucuba japonica. Common name Spotted laurel. See.... http://www.hartsnursery.com.au/plants/images/indoor_plants/Aucuba-Japonica.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aucuba_japonica In Britain this is grown outdoors, as it does grow pretty large. Not sure how cold it gets with you. See.... http://lavalette.net/pages/shrubs.html
Yes I have some as a hedge [gold dust plant] but was not sure if it is the same thing. The solo bush I started with is huge and grows in a shady area. Was very stressed due to lack of water then it rained and it is happy and upright again. The one I bought as a supposed pot plant with croton label seems to have narrower leaves and I have had it inside by an open window for about 6 months. It's doing well. I am inclined to agree with you that it is the Aucuba japonica. Looking at the indoor one the speckles on leaves are very fine compared with the ones on this page and the ones in the garden. Liz
Mine may not be but I think the one in the pics is. My indoor one may be slim leafed because it is inside or could there be other versions of it. I did see one down at our local hospital that was quiet yellow but that could be a deficiancy. The new leaves were almost white but they still had the speckled effect Liz
I have a "Banana Croton" that is very similar to your description---marked like this plant but w/skinny leaves. The one you mention at the hosp. might well have a deficiency, but might suffer from too MUCH light: mine got quite bleached-out looking one winter when I had it under a light that was WAY too strong for it. Bleached out my parlor palm too. Both plants, I am glad to say, are fine now. Boy, did I feel stupid! That's what I get for humoring the spousal unit..."Look at this giant light I got at the auction! It'll be great for your plants!" Yeah, it's still installed ---but has been and will continue to be unplugged. Yeah, crotons like bright light---but not the surface of the SUN! I thought for years that another plant of mine was a croton as well...but from this forum I was shocked to discover that it is in fact a Gold Dust dracaena!! Never woulda guessed dracaena. Looks just like the above photo.
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia', grows well in shade, especially in hot summer climes... excellent tubbing potted plants for the home. Pinch prune if leggy. Enjoy!
