Codiaeum variegatum occurs naturally in southern Asia, Indonesia and other Eastern Pacific islands where it grows in open forests and scrub. In the wild, Codiaeum variegatum is an evergreen shrub that grows to 3.1m (10 ft) tall and has large, leathery, shiny leaves. The cultivated Codiaeum variegatum are usually smaller and come in an amazing diversity of leaf shapes and colors. Indoor plants usually grow to a height of 60cm (24 in) and grow slowly comparative with plants grown in a greenhouse. Greenhouse specimens can reach a height of 1.2-3m (4-10ft).