Appears to be a croton, Codiaeum variegatum. Though this one doesn't show as much color as most. And when you say it's hardy, you don't mean it survives outside in winter, do you?
No, I don't keep it outside. It is indoor. I just don't have many places that get sun in through the windows so it doesn't get much sun. I'm notorious for killing houseplants and this little guy has been with me for about 3 years. I wanted to find out what it was so that I could do right by it finally. I will either transplant it outside if it can handle Texas weather or I will repot it indoors. When I find a plant that can withstand me....I need to forge a relationship ;)
Hard to be sure of anything from a single picture, but it does look like it to me. Could you get another pic from the side showing the stem and how the leaves attach to the stem? Maybe someone else has another suggestion?
I just took another picture. Hopefully that will help. I can tell you that the new growth is always from the very top, but that might not mean anything. Can you tell I'm clueless about houseplants?
Yes, it's a croton. Yours is healthy and seems happy, but it would likely have more color if grown in more light. Also, most of the leaves are new growth and they will likely color up a bit more with age.
Thank you :) I have decided to take more of an interest in this poor little guy and transplant him and strive to find a place with more light. I swear, I never buy houseplants because I kill them every time. I am great with outdoor things, but indoor, no way! I bought this at a grocery store on a clearance rack for $2 and I've never done a thing with it but water it, and until lately, I was sporatic about that. I'm embarrassed to admit that, but it is the truth. Imagine what this little guy would look like if put it into a nice big pot and watered it regularly and put it in light?????? THAT is what I meant by hardy! It survived me and deserves to be put on a pedestal because of it.
