Their bright and colorful leaves make caladiums easy to love.
Ralph Anderson
Key Takeaways
Caladiums are tropical plants grown for their foliage.
The color and bright leaves make allvarieties of caladiumseasy to love.
Credit:Ralph Anderson
Originally, caladiums wereshade plants, but plant breeders have introduced selections that tolerate some direct sun.
These tubers aregrown as annualsin the Upper and Middle South but will return every year in a frost-free climate.
Plant them in warm soil in the spring after the last frost.
All parts of caladiums are toxic to people and pets.
If the soil is too cold, the tubers will grow slowly or rot.
They’re carefree once their basic needspartial sun and well-drained soilare met.
Light
All caladiums love filtered sunlight and shade.
In bright sunlight, the colorful foliage tends to fade.
Most garden soils should beamended for planting.
For potted caladiums, use a combination ofhigh-quality potting mixwith compost or other organic matter.
If your soil is heavy clay, plant caladiums in pots, raised beds, or hanging baskets.
Water
Water caladiums regularly to keep the soil slightly moist but not saturated.
Water potted plants when the top of the soil feels dry.
Add mulch, such aspine straw, to help retain soil moisture and conserve water.
As caladiums enter their winter dormancy, stop watering until spring.
Temperature And Humidity
Caladiums are not reliably winter hardy belowUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10.
Temperatures should remain high and not drop below 60F at night.
An extended period below 45F will damage the plant.
Caladiums do best in high humidity that resembles their native environment in Central and South America.
The best way to find out is to do a soil test.
Types Of Caladiums
Pruning
Remove damaged and dead leaves.
Propagating Caladium
The common way to propagate caladiums is to divide the plant.
Use a combination of high-quality potting soil and organic matter, and select a pot with large drainage holes.
Group together several varieties in contrasting colors, orplant them in mixed containerswith delicate ferns orflowering impatiens.
Overwintering
In the Tropical South, you could leave tubers in the ground year-round.
Save the larger tubers, which tend to produce more leaves.
Remove any remaining leaves and roots.
Let tubers dry in a shaded area for a few days.
Maintaining a healthy soil, proper light conditions, and watering balance will help prevent infestations.
Aphidschew small holes in the foliage.
Treat them with insecticidal soap, which also controls mealybugs, mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
Caladium is prone to fungal diseases that infect the soil and destroy the tuber.
Your first line of defense is to plant only in warm soil and avoid overwatering.
Common Problems With Caladiums
Caladiums generally have few problems.
Drooping Leaves
Occasionally, caladium leaves and stems will bend before dormancy.
This is entirely normal if visible on only a few leaves.
Adjust your watering routine so you won’t overwater the plant again.
Leaves Turning Yellow
There are many reasons why caladium leaves turn yellow.
Any change in its regular care routine (water, light exposure, temperature) can cause yellowing.
Nutrient deficiency may also manifest itself as yellowing leaves.
Leaves Turning Brown
A change in the growing conditions may cause caladium leaves to turn brown.
The plants also do well as potted plants on shaded patios.
Yes, they can be grown indoors.
Select a warm spot with at least four hours of filtered or indirect sunlight every day.
A bathroom or laundry room is ideal to meet the plant’s humidity needs.
When that happens, cut off all leaves and store the plant in a cool, dark place.
Resume regular care once new leaves re-emerge.
Caladiums are not native to North America, but they are not invasive.
North Carolina State Extension.Caladium.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Caladium.
