Plant sizes are shown as the grow pot diameter x the total height of the plant. This means the diameter of the grow pot at the top of rim x the total height of the plant including the grow pot. It therefore includes the plant roots etc as well as the height or length of the plant.
Please note: plant heights are approximate and are provided for indicative purposes only. Plants suitable for hanging may be depicted in a hanging grow pot, the actual grow pot used to ship the plant might not include these attachments.
For plants in soil the key size in determining the maturity and fullness of a plant is the diameter of the grow pot. The larger the diameter, the more mature the plant.
How do we size hydroculture plants?
Hydroculture plants are measured the same way as soil plants, however the grow pots are sized by diameter plus their standardised heights, which allows a water meter to be fitted. For example: an 18/19 grow pot has an 18cm diameter at the rim and is 19cm tall.
Hydroculture plant roots have been specially adapted to grow in hydrogranules, which creates a smaller, more fleshy and hardier root system. This results in mature plants being available in smaller grow pots than their soil based equivalents.
How do I choose the correct sized decorative pot to fit my houseplant?
Check the grow pot diameter:
Determine the plant's grow pot diameter. Compare this to the size of the opening of your chosen decorative pot and ensure it is big enough to insert the plant's grow pot through the opening (see diagram below).
We show the size of the decorative pot openings for each pot as you click the different size options or hover over the size buttons.
Tip: Pick a decorative pot that has an opening about 1cm larger than the size of the plant's grow pot. For smaller plants (up to 14cm grow pots) you should go slightly smaller and for larger plants (above 24cm) you can add 2-3cm without the pot looking too large for the plant.
Note: If the shape of the planter tapers strongly at the base, it might not be wide enough for your plant to sit squarely at the bottom. In this case you can add a liner on a small layer of pebbles to increase the size of the base. This will however raise the height of the plant slightly in the planter.
For hydroculture plants use the size tip to select a decorative pot that will accommodate the waterproof liner recommended for the plant in the hydro kit.
Artstone planters include a non-removable water reservoir, which raises the internal base height of the planter. These planters work best with the plant re-potted directly into them rather than left in their grow pots. If the intention is to leave the plant in its grow pot and sit it directly into the Artstone planter rather than re-potting the plant directly into the planter, please ensure you select a large enough size that will have enough internal height to hide the grow pot.
Check the grow pot height:
Soil plants - The height of the grow pot can vary slightly, but is usually slightly smaller or the same as its diameter. Check your planter will be tall enough to hide the grow pot if you are not re-potting directly into the planter.
Hydroculture plants - These require a hydro kit for assembly, this includes a waterproof pot liner with a base wide enough to accommodate the hydroculture grow pot. The size tip provided for each hydroculture plant provides a recommended size for the external diameter of the decorative pots that will accommodate the specified waterproof liner.
The grow pot height is standardised (normally 12cm or 19cm) and shown on the size option for each hydroculture plant. Ensure the external height of your decorative pot is at least 2-3cm higher than the grow pot height of the hydroculture plant.
Important: The opening measurement of the decorative pot is the size of the access hole for inserting the plant's grow pot as well as an indication of the minimum liner size needed. It is not the same as the external diameter of the pot which is the overall outer size of the pot. Please note all measurements are approximate and can vary slightly due to the handmade nature of our pots.
Note: Liners are "squashy" so they can be pushed through the opening to expand and fit closer to the pot wall once inside. Liners can also be cut down to size with scissors for a neater fit if they bulge inwards slightly at the top.
For round shaped decorative pots we provide the external diameter of the widest point so you get a sense of how large the pot is on the outside, as well as the width of the opening. We also provide the overall height so you understand how tall the pot is.
For square, rectangular and oval planters we provide the external dimensions for Length x Width x Height, plus the access width (internal width), as these are often displayed with a mix of plants.
Liners: Modern pots and planters come in all types of materials from ceramic, natural, composite, metal and fibreglass to create that wow factor in their setting. However not all are designed to be waterproof. To keep pots looking pristine and avoiding damage to floors and furnishings the solution is to include a flexible liner inside the pot.
Liners come in various sizes to fit the internal dimensions of the pot and can be trimmed down to size to create an unobtrusive barrier for the plant and soil to be potted into, whilst protecting the pot from unsightly calcium or fertiliser deposits from the soil.
In taller planters they allow for the soil to be contained to an appropriate depth for the plant, without needing to fill the entire vessel with soil. This ensures the root system is surrounded in optimum moisture content rather than it draining to the bottom beyond the roots.
Drainage: Traditional indoor plant pots have drainage holes and stand in saucers to allow excess water to drain freely. For modern decorative plant pots without drainage holes the grow pot could be stood inside the pot on a saucer, or in a pot liner for extra protection. Alternatively, for a professional design look, the plant can be repotted directly into a pot liner with a layer of hydrogranules to provide both a drainage layer and a reservoir for the plant. The roots above the granules will pull the water gently out of the granules (capillary action) to keep them moist but not wet.
Soil Depth: When repotting allow a little room for the roots to spread. The soil should not be so shallow that without drainage the roots will sit in water, nor so deep that the water drains below the roots leaving the plant to dry out.
Tall Planters: Fill the base of the planter with polystyrene foam or other packaging material that will not compress, up to the required height, then sit the plant liner on top with the repotted plant in the liner.
Croton Petra is a gorgeous ornamental foliage plant with stunning leaf colour and variegation. The leaves tend to be glossy and oval in shape with pointed tips. Colours range from pink, through reds, oranges, yellows, light and dark greens - so much colour on one plant! The leaf veins are a paler green and add an interesting variegated dimension. Petra is a very popular Codiaeum and at her best is guaranteed to brighten up a room and lift the spirits.
Please note: These plants will drop leaves if they are unhappy. This might also occur post transit, whilst your plant settles into its new environment.
Codiaeum Petra - Croton
Care & Information
Keep it colourful! If you notice the new growth is more on the green side, love your plant with some fertiliser and lots of bright light near a south-facing window.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust. Do not use leaf shine as this will damage the foliage. Cut back to size if they become too tall.
Brrr! If you're seeing excessive leaf drop, it's likely your Croton is too cold. Consider relocating to a warmer, more humid spot like the bathroom or kitchen.
Light
Codiaeum need plenty of bright light. Direct sunlight for at least a few hours a day is recommended, however avoid the scorching midday sun. They can tolerate short periods of shade, but remember: the brighter the light, the finer the foliage!
Watering
Codiaeum need to be in damp soil at all times. They do not respond well to soil that is very wet or dry, and either will cause leaf drop. Watering your Petra with lukewarm water is recommended.
Your Croton also needs a degree of warmth. They are happy in temperatures from 18-29°C but can cope with as low as 15°C. Avoid draughts however.
Humidity
Increased humidity levels are a must. Stand your Croton on a wet pebble tray to improve humidity or mist frequently. Does best in steamier rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Crotons are not known to be particularly fast or slow-growers. They will typically reach an ultimate height of around 1.2 metres to 1.5 metres.
Please note: each plant is unique so available heights are approximate and the plant you receive may vary by ±10%
Toxicity
Croton sap is poisonous. Keep plants away from children and pets and take care when handling. Wear gloves and rinse immediately if the sap gets onto your skin.
Air Purifying
This plant filters airborne toxins and is part of our clean air plant collection.
Origin
Codiaeum Petra is native to India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the western Pacific islands.
Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.
