Graptophyllum Pictum/Caricature plant – chocolate shade( single plant)

Graptophyllum pictum, commonly known as the Caricature Plant, is a tropical shrub prized for its strikingly variegated foliage. The “Chocolate” shade or “Chocolate Caricature Plant” is a particularly beautiful cultivar that features deep chocolate-brown to burgundy leaves with pink, cream, or light green variegation.

🌿 Basic Info

• Botanical name: Graptophyllum pictum

• Common names: Caricature plant, Jamaican Croton, Graptophyllum, Chocolate Caricature Plant

• Family: Acanthaceae

• Origin: Tropical Asia and the Pacific islands

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light or partial sun.

• The chocolate and pink coloration is most vivid when it gets a few hours of morning sun.

• Too much shade = greener leaves; too much hot afternoon sun = leaf burn.

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal: 18–30°C (65–86°F).

• Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

💧 Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry.

• Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.

🌱 Soil

• Use a well-draining mix—a blend of garden soil, cocopeat, and perlite (or sand) works well.

• You can also use a high-quality potting mix for tropical foliage plants.

🍽️ Fertilizer

• Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).

• Skip fertilizing in winter.

✂️ Pruning

• Trim regularly to maintain bushiness and shape.

• Prune leggy stems to encourage new growth.

🪴 Propagation

• Easily propagated through stem cuttings.

• Use semi-hardwood cuttings placed in moist soil or water until roots develop.