Caladiums are tropical American natives that flourish in high humidity and heat. There are around 1000 cultivars of the original South American species, C. bicolor. It has several common names including Elephant Ear, Angel Wings and Heart of Jesus.
Dark green mottled with pink and red. A taste of the tropics close to home. Perfect for pots and shady nooks. Foliage can be used in flower arrangements. Ht: 12-18". Perennial in zones 10-11 only; dig and store in colder climates.
| Plant Types: | Bulb, Perennial |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot to 1 foot 6 inches |
| Zones: | 10 to 11 |
| Bloom Color: | Green, Pink, Red |
| Fertilizer: | Fish Emulsion, Miracle-Gro® Nursery Select Miracid® Water Soluble Plant Food |
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Since Caladiums are tuberous plants, these plants are propagated mainly with their tubers. To grow outside, plant the tubers in the ground with the knobby side up when days lengthen in the spring. To grow in pots, tubers should be started indoors in late winter.
Plants do very well in heat (70°F/21°C during the day and rarely below 60°F/16°C at night). In Hawaii, tubers can be grown in the ground year round. In frost free areas, grow Caladium in a bedding or in containers with other specimens. In areas where Caladium does not grow hardy, raise plants in a warm greenhouse. A warm greenhouse has a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C). During the day, temperatures should be set to 55-64°F (13-18°C) or above, and at night, the temperature should be at 55°F (13°C).
These plants are grown for their foliage.
Caladiums require rich soil. Use a growing medium mixture with equal parts of coarse sand, leaf mold and ground bark or peat moss. Keep the tubers moist until they sprout.
For potted plants, stir in a heaping spoonful of fish meal into the growing medium. Additionally, feed lightly during the growing season.
Caladiums need to be protected from snails and slugs.