Caladium combines colorful arrowhead-shaped leaves with easy growing requirements.
Caladium is a genus of tropical plants native to South and Central America.
They are commonly grown as annuals or their bulbs are dug up each fall and replanted every spring likedahlias.
Credit: Mark Kane
They are also suitable to be grown as houseplants.
However, newer varieties tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in northern areas.
Caladiums are sometimes referred to as elephant ears or angel wings.
Credit: Mark Kane
Verify the genus nameCaladiumon the plant tagbecause other plants such as alocasia also go by those common names.
Caladium is toxic to humans and pets.
The soil should be naturally moist but well-drained and slightly acidic.
Credit: Blaine Moats
The key to an eye-catching caladium planting is quantity.
Plant at least three caladiums together for a bold statement.
If you have space, a mass planting of five or seven plants is even better.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Choose a single variety for the best effect.
For the front of a border, select lance-leafed caladiums, which usually dont grow taller than 12 inches.
In containers, plant only caladiums or combine them with other shade-loving annuals such as impatiens or begonias.
Credit: Blaine Moats
More sun-tolerant varieties also pair well withcannasandcalibrachoa.
If possible, purchase larger bulbs.
The more buds are on a bulb, the more foliage the plant will grow.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Smaller bulbs still make attractive plants, they just wont get as large.
Plant the bulbs so their puckered or knobby sides (eyes) are face up.
Cover them with 1.5 to 2 inches of soil.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Space bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart, jumbo bulbs need maximum spacing.
Smaller bulbs or those in containers can be planted closer together.
Caladium Care Tips
Caladium rightfully has the reputation of being an easy-to-grow garden ornamental.
Credit: Scott Little
Light
The light requirements depend on the jot down of caladium.
Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting if needed.
Excellent drainage is importantcaladium tubers are prone to rotting if the soil is too wet.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
check that to water the plants at the base and avoid getting the foliage wet.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladiums are tropical plants that thrive in hot and humid conditions.
In southern locations with warm, frost-free winters, leave the bulbs in the ground year-round.
Use a complete all-purpose garden fertilizer that islow in nitrogenand follow the directions for frequency and dosage.
Excess nitrogen may affect the leaf color.
Pruning
Other than removing damaged and dead leaves, there is no need to prune caladium.
Remember that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilizer than plants in garden soil.
For caladiums grown as annuals, repotting wont be necessary.
Pests and Problems
Caladiums are bothered by only a few pest problems.
Potential pests include caterpillars, aphids, mealybugs, mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
If their numbers are small, manual removal usually works, otherwise treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
Slugs may also feed on the plant.
Rotting of the bulbs usually occurs in wet or cool conditions.
To prevent it, delay the planting until the weather is warm.
Cut the clump of bulbs into smaller sections with at least one eye or knob.
It grows 20 inches tall.
This variety takes more sun than most and grows 18 to 30 inches tall.
‘Florida Red Ruffles’ Caladium
Here is another sun-tolerant selection.
It has narrow, heart-shaped leaves in a dramatic shade of dark red and edged in lime green.
It grows 12 to 14 inches tall.
This dwarf variety grows 12 inches tall.
‘Marie Moir’ Caladium
Each heart-shaped leaf of this rare variety is splashed with blotches of red.
It grows 24 inches tall.
It ranges in height between 12 and 24 inches.
Each leaf grows 10-20 inches long.
It grows 24 inches tall.
It grows 24 inches tall.
It has small leaves and thin stems, but it is much tougher than it looks.
It will thrive in hot, humid weather and tolerate drought well.
Plus, its fuzzy, scented foliage prevents pests from bothering the plant.
Licorice plant is a perennial but commonly grown as an annual.
Select a shade-loving variety ofedged-leaf coleus,veined-leaf coleus, ortrailing coleusfor shady locations.
With its huge leaves and bold vein patterns, it grows wherever theres moist soil and warm temperatures.
Its striking alongside ponds where its massive leaves create beautiful reflections in the water.
During the growing season, it is likely a sign that the plant needs water.
Dont worry if the leaves eventually wither, this is also part of the natural process.
Reduce the watering and stop fertilizing the plant; it will restart growing in the spring.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
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