Brighten up with colorful foliage plants - indoor Gardening - Column

Flower & Garden Magazine, Feb-March, 1993 by Ruth Shaw Ernst

MANY EASY-TO-GROW PLANTS of tropical origin will enliven a collection of potted greenery with multicolored and variously patterned foliage, brightening the indoor scene and glowing vibrantly outdoors in summer on a patio or balcony.

One of the most impressive is croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum), a gorgeous accent in a group of plants or standing tall by itself. This species presents an astonishing array of leaf forms, sizes and colors. The smooth, shiny leaves may be lance-shaped, oval, lobed or notched, or may resemble an oak leaf, a rippled ribbon, a corkscrew. Colors in streaks, splotches or spots are dazzling mixtures of red, rose, bronze, purple, cream, orange, yellow, gold and green -- almost every color except blue. Plenty of bright light and some full sun are needed to maintain the richness of the colors. Croton likes plenty of water, but keep the soil moist, not soggy.

Start with a small plant 8 to 10 inches tall and watch it grow. Good specimens often are obtainable at supermarkets. New leaves emerge green and gradually take on bright hues as they soak up sunlight. A mature plant 3 to 4 feet tall will have side branches that provide 5- to 6-inch cuttings for propagation in a moist rooting mixture of peat moss and sand or perlite. The cut end will ooze a milky sap; apply water or powdered charcoal to seal it. New growth will soon sprout on the branches that were cut back.

You can't beat a croton for bold and beautiful foliage by a sunny window, or outdoors in mild climates.

Another sturdy plant with striking leaf color is the ti plant (Cordyline terminalis). In a tropical climate it can grow 6 feet tall; in a pot it will reach up to 2 feet. Lance-shaped leaves 6 to 12 inches long, depending on the variety, are vividly colored in shades of red, rose, shocking pink, maroon, copper and green. Broad-leaved forms, notably 'Firebrand', are almost entirely a brilliant rose-red. Other forms have narrower dark green leaves streaked or edged in rose. 'Tricolor' adds a dash of cream. Like all plants with colored foliage, the ti plant needs good bright light and several hours of direct sun. It's a thirsty plant, so keep it moist. An occasional brown leaf tip may be neatly trimmed off with scissors.

Lower leaves on an older plant may dry up and can be removed, leaving a rather bare length of stem. Cut the leafy crown with a 4- to 6-inch piece of stem, place it in water in good light, and it will grow roots in a few days. New growth will emerge on both sides of the parent stem. If still more plants are desired, cut the stem down further into segments with one or two growth nodes on each. Lay them shallowly in moist rooting mix or peat moss, or stand them upright. The nodes will sprout and soon you'll have plenty of ti babies, a bonus for gardeners who like bright, showy splashes of color.

A focal point in my collection is a tall ti plant, now in a deep 10-inch pot, with a splendid topknot of fuchsia foliage. I surrounded the base of the stem with several rosy-flowered, bronze-leaved wax begonias, and they bloom cheerfully in a sunny window.

A greatly undervalued plant with unusual foliage is the fittonia (Fittonia verschaffeltii), whose red-veined, olive-green oval leaves grow 3 to 4 inches long and 2 or more inches wide on low curving stems. Odd "flowers" are produced at irregular intervals year-round. Upright bracts 6 to 8 inches long bear numerous tiny ivory-white true flowers. The bracts remain for several weeks after the flowers fade, gradually turning pale yellow, then light brown before dropping off. Medium to bright light suits fittonia well; it does not require direct sun.

Thirst is fittonia's only problem; it is a heavy drinker. It will keel over and play dead if the soil dries out. But unlike the opossum that goes limp in order to trick a predator, the fittonia is signaling "Mayday!" A thorough drenching will bring it back to life. Don't stress it too often, though, or some leaves will turn pale and drop off and the plant will suffer. Keep soil constantly damp; a generous proportion of peat moss will retain moisture.

Near the base of the stems, older leaves that lose their color can be removed. Stems that have become somewhat bare snap off easily; the tip ends can be propagated in moist rooting mix or water. Several rooted cuttings in a 6- or 8-inch pot make a fine show, and large specimens with trailing stems make excellent hanging basket plants. Fittonia, with its intricate network of crimson or deep rose veins, is a handsome and decorative plant.

Coleus (Coleus x hybridus) is one of the most familiar and easy to grow of all indoor-outdoor plants. Like croton, its color range is vast, including plum red, rose, pink, copper, apple green and cream in many combinations. Leaf shape is rounded, scalloped or frilled. Pale blue flower spikes rise on mature plants but are best removed, as they draw strength away from the production of foliage.

Coleus likes medium to bright sun and lots of water. It's a fast grower and will get lanky if not nipped back to make a fuller, bushier look. Cuttings may be taken at any time. Pop them in water; they will grow roots and be ready to plant in about two weeks.