How To Care For Caladiums

08.08.2023 - 18:11 / getbusygardening.com / Amy Andrychowicz

Caladiums are not as difficult to care for as many people think, and they make a beautiful addition to any home or garden.

To enjoy the colorful leaves year after year, it’s important for gardeners to understand their life cycle and how to create an environment where they can thrive.

This complete guide is designed to teach you everything you need to know about caladium care.

It includes information on light, soil, water, fertilizer, temperature, pruning and so much more, so you’ll feel confident each step of the way.

Table of Contents

Caladiums, also known as angel wings or elephant ears, are a tropical perennial native to the rainforests in Central and South America.

They’re known for their varied, striking foliage which can present in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Hues of green, white, red, and pink are the most common.

Thin stems sprout up from underground tubers (aka bulbs) and end in showy, leafy foliage that can reach up to 30” tall.

The natural life cycle of a caladium plant involves a period of dormancy in the fall or winter, then the growth of new foliage in the spring and summer.

There are over 1000 different caladium cultivars available these days, each with different appearances.

The leaves can be heart, lance, or arrow-shaped, with colors that appear in stripes, spots, or variegation.

No matter which variety of caladium you choose, each one requires similar care. Here are a few of the most popular options.

Caladium flowers are rare, especially on indoor plants, but they can appear anytime between the spring and fall.

The blooms are spathe-type flowers with a central spike, or spadix. Depending on the cultivar, the blossoms can be white, red, pink, or green.

According to the ASPCA website, a caladium plant is toxic