Caladium
( kuh - LAY - dee - um )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis tropical genus includes flowering plants that grow from underground tuber roots valued for their unique, colorful foliage. They are typically low-growing, to under 3 feet tall, and are native to South and Central America. In many zones, they are grown as indoor houseplants or in greenhouses, but they can also perform well in warmer climates outdoors, where they are used in the landscape as specimens, groundcovers, or in mixed beds and borders. They can also do well in containers. Take care when planting Caladium in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Sap can also cause skin irritation.
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Caladium Species and Varietals
The genus Caladium is a member of the plant family Araceae, and includes between 7 and 14 recognized species. It is closely related to genera Alocasia, Xanthosoma and Colocasia. The best growing zones for Caladium are USDA hardiness zones 9-12. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Caladium bicolor (Heart of Jesus, Angel Wings, Elephant's Ear)
This species is native to Latin America, and is a popularly cultivated houseplant worldwide. These plants produce large, heart or lance-shaped foliage with striking green, white, pink, and red blotching. This species is considered invasive in tropical island locations such as Hawai'i, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Philippines. There are over 1,000 cultivars of this species; the most commonly grown are listed below.
This species is native to Latin America, and is a popularly cultivated houseplant worldwide. These plants produce large, heart or lance-shaped foliage with striking green, white, pink, and red blotching. This species is considered invasive in tropical island locations such as Hawai'i, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Philippines. There are over 1,000 cultivars of this species; the most commonly grown are listed below.
'Blushing Bride'
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'Bombshell'
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'Candyland'
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'Celebration'
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'Creamsicle'
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'Fireworks'
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'Florida Red Ruffles'
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'Florida Sweetheart'
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'Heart's Delight'
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'Party Punch'
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'Raspberry Moon'
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'Sangria'
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'Summer Breeze'
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'White Cap'
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'White Dynasty'
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'White Wonder'
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Caladium praetermissum (Hilo Beauty Elephant Ear, Camouflage Alocasia) This species is known only from cultivation, and reaches up to three feet tall when mature. Plants are valued for their patterned leaves, which are green mottled with dark green and white. |
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Caring for Calandrinia
Take care when planting Caladium in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Sap can also cause skin irritation. Caladium plants can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-12 and do best indoors in all other growing zones. Plant in a space in the landscape that receives partial sun; ideally, they appreciate morning sun and afternoon shade. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Foliage will die back at the end of the growing season and emerge in the next; allow leaves to die back naturally before removing them. Caladium plants typically live for between 5 and 10 years in the garden before needing to be replaced, and can survive indefinitely if allowed to form stands and spread.
Caring for Caladium in Containers
Choose a container that is a few inches larger and deeper than the nursery pot. Containers with pebble trays underneath can increase humidity. The best potting mix for Caladium plants is a blend of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part compost, 1 part perlite or bark, and a handful of peat moss. Place the container in a spot that receives partial sun; ideally, they appreciate morning sun and afternoon shade. Intense, afternoon sun can damage foliage. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, lessening waterings during the winter months when plants are dormant. Every few years, these plants may need to be repotted depending on their growth rate. Check the bottom of the container to see if roots are growing through; this is a good indicator the plant should be potted up to the next size. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season.
Caring for Caladium Indoors
Caladium should be planted in a container that is a few inches larger and deeper than the nursery pot. Containers with pebble trays underneath can increase humidity. The best potting mix for Caladium plants is a mixture of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part compost, 1 part perlite or bark, and a handful of peat moss. Water these tropical plants regularly to keep soil consistently moist, lessening waterings during the winter months when plants are dormant. Every few years, these plants may need to be repotted depending on their growth rate. Check the bottom of containers to see if roots are growing through; this is a good indicator the plant should be potted up to the next size.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Foliage will die back at the end of the growing season and emerge in the next; allow leaves to die back naturally before removing them. Caladium plants typically live for between 5 and 10 years in the garden before needing to be replaced, and can survive indefinitely if allowed to form stands and spread.
Caring for Caladium in Containers
Choose a container that is a few inches larger and deeper than the nursery pot. Containers with pebble trays underneath can increase humidity. The best potting mix for Caladium plants is a blend of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part compost, 1 part perlite or bark, and a handful of peat moss. Place the container in a spot that receives partial sun; ideally, they appreciate morning sun and afternoon shade. Intense, afternoon sun can damage foliage. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, lessening waterings during the winter months when plants are dormant. Every few years, these plants may need to be repotted depending on their growth rate. Check the bottom of the container to see if roots are growing through; this is a good indicator the plant should be potted up to the next size. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season.
Caring for Caladium Indoors
Caladium should be planted in a container that is a few inches larger and deeper than the nursery pot. Containers with pebble trays underneath can increase humidity. The best potting mix for Caladium plants is a mixture of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part compost, 1 part perlite or bark, and a handful of peat moss. Water these tropical plants regularly to keep soil consistently moist, lessening waterings during the winter months when plants are dormant. Every few years, these plants may need to be repotted depending on their growth rate. Check the bottom of containers to see if roots are growing through; this is a good indicator the plant should be potted up to the next size.
Propagation
Caladium, or Elephant Ear, can be propagated either by dividing existing plants or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if a hybrid cultivar is being propagated. To propagate your Caladium, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Caladium by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need gloves, a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance, especially if these plants are grown in containers or cramped spaces of the landscape. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Caladium by Seed
Propagating Caladium by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need gloves, a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance, especially if these plants are grown in containers or cramped spaces of the landscape. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked the plant up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.
Propagating Caladium by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. They are contained inside of berry-like fruits that form after flowers have faded and are small and light brown to tan. They can hold anywhere from 1 to 30 seeds each. They are harvested when they are beginning to split open. Remove seeds from the fruit and rinse off any remaining pulp. Lay them out to dry before storing. Fresh seeds germinate best.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds on the soil surface in your prepared pot or seed tray. Cover them with a light layer of soil and water with your spray bottle, taking care to not dislodge the tiny seeds. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination can take a few months from sowing.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Caladium seeds are held inside of berry-like fruits produced after flowering.
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Caladium seeds are tiny, and typically tan to light brown in color.
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Problems and Pests
Certain species are considered invasive in some regions of the world; see species descriptions for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. These plants are typically resistant to most pest and disease issues in the landscape, though they can suffer from time to time from the following:
- Spider Mites
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Caterpillars
- Slugs and Snails
- Root Rot
- Leaf Spot
Gallery
Caladium plants are perfect candidates for containers.
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Caldium is used to add interest to this mixed bed amongst Pineapple Grass and Impatiens.
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Videos
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Learn how to care for these striking indoor plants.
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How to overwinter these tropicals.
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