Recently noticed a new growth that resembles a berry in the center of my croton plant. Can anyone tell me what's going on with my house plant? Is it getting ready to bloom?

Yes, that looks like an inflorescence!

Some pics here to compare:
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra')

I agree, it looks like your plant is going to bloom! Although Codiaeum (Croton) are grown for the beautiful, colorful leaves, I think the flowers are pretty too!

Wow, congratulations!

Thanks all!

Update:
9 days later and my Petra Croton plant bud is blooming!

That is so damn neat, congratulations again!

I'd spend a bit of time looking up macro-photography tips and trying to get some good shots.

Beautiful, keep us posted please.

Excitement! It's rare to see a potted Croton THAT happy. : )

My Petra croton plant is sending up puzzling growth again. It stopped growing leaves in August and just sends out these stunted little sprouts. Any idea why it has stopped sprouting leaves?

It looks like another inflorescence. If you get a chance, I'd love to see the whole plant. Apparently it's so very happy with your care. : )

Not sure. I feel that the plant starts trying to push out a new leaf, but the leaf is somehow stunted and fails to develop.

When some plants are blooming, it's normal for leaves to stop growing during that time.

It is definitely an inflo: nothing to worry about. The female and male inflos look different by the way: one is spiky the other has little firework round balls(don't remember which is which). One if mine in FL is producing them now too (indoors).

skylark said: The female and male inflos look different by the way: one is spiky the other has little firework round balls(don't remember which is which). One if mine in FL is producing them now too (indoors).

Can the same plant produce both male and female inflorescences? I had no idea about that! Thanks so much for the information.

purpleinopp said: When some plants are blooming, it's normal for leaves to stop growing during that time.

Good to know. It's one of my favorite plants, so thanks for the reassurance!

My pleasure! A joy to see your plant.

skylark said: The female and male inflos look different by the way: one is spiky the other has little firework round balls(don't remember which is which).

FYI, Found this on the U of Wisconsin extension:
The white male flowers with five small petals and 20-30 stamens that give a starburst-like effect are produced on separate inflorescences than the yellowish, petal-less female flowers.

Hey, that is a great article with amazing pics:
https://hort.extension.wisc.ed...

I did not know they were Euophorbiaceae

Actually indoors they need a sunny location for 4-5 hours or they will loose variegation. I keep mine in west window in a very warm room(at least 70F in winter), but usually spring and fall at 80f since i get long setting sun too around solstices.
From experience in NJ i see best brightest color produced on 'Petra' in October outdoors with dropping temps. 'Petra' is also the best color performer for indoors. Other mostly outdoor varieties revert to green in lower indoor light even with part-sun. I find bright 'Petra' excellent for indoor Thanksgiving display!