Caladium

Sun

Partial to full shade, preferably with bright filtered light. Gentle morning sun is usually suitable; strong afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Sun tolerance varies among cultivars.

Water

Keep evenly moist during active growth, but never waterlogged. Reduce watering as leaves die back and keep dormant tubers dry.

Soil

Humus-rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture; slightly acidic soil is ideal. Use a free-draining potting mix in containers.

Height

1-2.5 ft (0.3-0.75 m)

Spread

1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)

Foliage

Thin, heart- to arrow-shaped leaves on upright stalks, with contrasting veins, spots or broad patches of white, pink, red and green. Leaves die back during dormancy.

Growth

Fast in warm weather; slow or dormant in cool conditions.

Care needed

Medium

• Deer resistant
• Heat tolerant
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Moderate

Toughness

Needs looking after

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   0.5 ft (0.15 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.7 ft (0.53 m)

   full size

About 1 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Toxic

Growth rate

Moderate

• Plant tubers outdoors only after frost danger has passed and the soil is consistently at least 21°C (70°F).
• Water when the soil surface begins to dry; empty container saucers so roots do not stand in water.
• Feed container plants with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every four weeks during active growth.
• Apply a light organic mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of leaf stalks.
• In cooler climates, lift tubers before frost, dry them in an airy place and store frost-free at about 16-21°C (61-70°F).

Pruning. Remove damaged leaves by cutting their stalks near the base with clean scissors. Let yellowing foliage die back naturally before removing it at the start of dormancy.

Early spring

Check stored tubers for rot and start sound tubers indoors in warmth, with their growing buds facing upwards.

Late spring

Move plants outdoors once nights and soil are reliably warm; introduce them gradually to their shaded position.

Summer

Maintain even moisture and feed container plants while leaves are growing.

Late summer

Check leaf undersides for mites and remove damaged foliage.

Autumn

Reduce watering as foliage yellows; in frost-prone areas, lift and dry tubers before frost.

Winter

Keep dormant tubers dry and warm, checking occasionally for soft or mouldy patches.

• Group beneath open-canopied trees in warm gardens to brighten shade with patterned foliage.
• Use in sheltered patio containers with ferns and begonias for contrasting leaf shapes.
• Mass along shaded summer borders for a continuous band of pink, red or white.
• Pair white-leaved forms with dark green foliage near shaded seating areas for strong contrast.

Garden styles it suits: Tropical, Modern tropical, Modern courtyard, Southern, Victorian and Small-space.

Plant it with: Wax begonias, Impatiens, Coleus, Boston ferns, Torenias and Cast iron plants.

Wildlife: Offers little food for pollinators because flowering is inconspicuous and often sparse in garden conditions. Slugs and snails may chew the leaves.

• Tuber or root rot: avoid cold, saturated soil, improve drainage and discard soft, rotting tubers.
• Leaf scorch: move plants out of harsh afternoon sun and prevent the root zone from drying out.
• Spider mites: check for fine webbing and stippled leaves; rinse leaf undersides and use insecticidal soap if needed, following the label.
• Poor emergence or stalled growth: cold soil is a common cause; provide steady warmth rather than extra water.

Toxic to people, cats, dogs and horses if chewed or eaten. All parts, including leaves and tubers, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense mouth pain, drooling, swelling and difficulty swallowing; serious swelling needs urgent medical or veterinary attention. Sap can irritate skin and eyes.

• Elephant's ear (Colocasia esculenta)

  Usually has larger, thicker leaves with the stalk attached well inside the blade's underside; the leaf tips commonly point downwards.

• Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum)

  Produces climbing or trailing stems with visible nodes and aerial roots, rather than separate leaf stalks emerging from a tuber.

• Polka dot begonia (Begonia maculata)

  Has strongly asymmetrical, silver-spotted leaves on jointed cane-like stems, often with reddish leaf undersides.

The species name bicolor means 'two-coloured', referring to the contrasting colours of the leaves.

Propagation. Divide dormant tubers in spring, leaving at least one healthy growing bud on each piece. Use a clean knife, allow cut surfaces to dry and seal, then pot in a warm, free-draining medium and water sparingly until growth begins.

Accepted botanical name

Caladium bicolor

In the US and Canada

Introduced in the lower 48 states, Pacific Basin, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.

Native range

Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana and Guyana.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.