Caladium, also known as elephant ears, is the scientific name of Caladium. They are particularly preferred for warm and humid weather conditions. These plants are renowned for their large heart or arrow-shaped leaves and attractive collections of light green, pink, rose, and red hues. Caladium plants are primarily cultivated for their beautiful foliage, although some varieties produce spathes or spadix-shaped flowers. These plants, depending on the species, can grow anywhere from 12 to 30 inches tall and spread from 12 to 24 inches wide. Despite their immense aesthetic appeal, they can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
How To Grow Caladium
Caladium plants are highly favored among gardeners for their exceptionally attractive beauty. They thrive best in bright to medium light conditions and are influenced by temperature and humidity levels, which they prefer to be moderate. Providing proper care for Caladium plants involves timely attention, ensuring good drainage, and using fertile and well-draining soil. It’s crucial to maintain healthy root growth by using loose and deep soil. Moderate watering is necessary; keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid excessive watering, as it can lead to root rot. Supplying necessary nutrients and regular monitoring can easily promote the growth of these plants at home.
Location & Sunlight
Caladium plants of all species generally prefer filtered light or moderate shade. However, there are some new varieties of caladium that can tolerate even more light. Caladium plants need bright but indirect light for optimal growth at home. South-east or west-facing windows will be ideal locations, but arrangements need to be made for light filtering so that the plants receive at least four to six hours of indirect light per day. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plants and impede their growth. For outdoor cultivation, a location with full shade where direct sunlight does not fall directly is chosen.
Soil & Fertilizer
For caladium plants, a well-draining soil mixed with a good amount of organic materials such as peat moss, vermiculite, coco coir, and perlite is highly effective. The inclusion of these materials enhances soil efficiency and fertility, aiding in plant growth. Caladium plants prefer acidic soil, so a pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
For indoor caladiums, you can use both slow-release plant foods like 19-6-12 or liquid all-purpose plant food like 12-4-8, which provide slow-release fertilization. These slow-release fertilizers are usually applied once during the growing season, but water-soluble fertilizers can be applied every two to four weeks. It’s recommended to have a specialist test the garden soil and apply a 12-6-6 fertilizer every six weeks. Avoid excessive fertilizer application as it can lead to leaf burning.
Watering
Calathea species typically prefer regular watering. It is necessary to keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season. Allowing the soil to dry out may cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Test the soil and water once a week, continuing until the Calathea foliage begins to dry out. If your plant enters its dormant period during the winter, especially if tubers are present in the soil, then cease watering until the next spring.
Temperature & Humidity
Caladium plants prefer high temperatures. Ideal temperatures for these plants are 70°F – 75°F during the day and 55°F – 60°F at night. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 45°F can damage the plants. If adequate temperature control is not available in your home, you can place the plants in a bright spot on the balcony or window sill where they can receive sunlight to increase the temperature.
Caladium plants thrive in high humidity. The ideal humidity level for plant growth is between 55% – 60%. If the humidity in your home is low, you can use a humidifier to increase humidity. Additionally, placing pebbles and water-filled trays under the plant pots can help increase humidity by evaporating water. Regularly misting the leaves can also increase humidity.
Pests Control
Caladium plants are generally resistant to major pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. However, when grown at home, they can still attract these pests, which often feed on the underside of leaves and stems, causing damage. To address infestations, start by spraying the plants with a soap-water solution to eliminate pests. For severe infestations, apply neem oil and gently wipe affected areas with a dry cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. These treatments can effectively remove pests within a few days.
Types Of Caladium
Caladium plants are more popular among gardeners for their attractive colors and shapes. Caladium plants come in various species. All species have different structures, shapes, and colors such as red, green, pink, and many more. You can choose the color and shape of the plants according to your preference to enhance your home garden. Below is a discussion of some types of Caladium plants:
Caladium (Creamsicle)
The ‘Creamsicle’ is a species of the Caladium genus. These plants grow very rapidly and have large green leaves adorned with bright red, pink, and white veining. The leaves are heart-shaped. This species prefers well-draining soil, a humid environment, and bright, shaded light. By using a pot with proper drainage, the attractive colors of these plants can enhance the beauty of your home.
Caladium (White Christmas)
‘White Christmas’ is a beautiful variety of Caladium, cherished for its arrow-shaped green leaves adorned with bright white speckling. Gardeners adore these plants for their heavy dusting of white on the leaves. Typically, they can grow between 12 to 24 inches in height. For optimal growth, ‘White Christmas’ Caladiums require well-draining soil, indirect bright light, moderate watering, and high humidity. With the right nutrients and care, you can easily cultivate these plants at home.
Caladium (Miss Muffet)
‘Miss Muffet’ is a delightful variety of Caladium, distinguished by its heart-shaped leaves adorned with a blend of pink, green, and white colors. These plants are typically compact, ranging from 4 to 8 inches in height. They thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity, requiring fertile, well-draining soil and bright indirect sunlight. By providing the necessary nutrients and care, you can enhance the beauty of your home with the growth of these charming plants.
Caladium (Puppy Love)
‘Puppy Love’ is a cherished variety of Caladium, beloved by gardeners for its heart-shaped leaves and vibrant colors. The leaves of this plant are notably pink and red, further enhancing its visual appeal. Intricate patterns adorn these leaves, adding to the plant’s allure. Typically, “Puppy Love” Caladiums grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches. They thrive in well-draining soil, warm temperatures, and moderate humidity. With proper nutrition and care, these plants can enhance the beauty of your home as delightful ornamentals.
Pruning Caladium
Pruning caladium plants is primarily done to maintain their health and appearance. Here are some reasons why pruning might be necessary for caladiums:
- Removing Damaged Leaves: Leaves can become damaged due to factors like excessive sunlight, pests, or diseases. Pruning allows you to remove these damaged leaves, preventing further deterioration and promoting new, healthy foliage.
- Promoting Airflow: Removing overcrowded or dense foliage through light pruning can improve airflow around the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and enhancing overall plant health.
- Managing Size and Shape: Caladiums can grow vigorously, and pruning helps control their size and shape. Trimming back leggy or overgrown stems maintains a compact and attractive appearance.
- Encouraging New Growth: Pruning encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing new growth, which is beneficial after the growing season or environmental stress.
- Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Regular pruning keeps the plant looking neat and well-maintained, enhancing its aesthetic appeal in your garden or indoor space.
Propagating Caladium
Caladium propagation is most easily and effectively done through tuber division. You can start propagating caladiums at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Follow these steps to propagate caladiums:
1. Use a pitchfork or trowel to loosen the soil around the plant and carefully lift the tubers from the soil.
2. Divide the tubers into smaller sections, ensuring each piece has at least one or two viable buds. Use a clean, sharp knife to make precise cuts and minimize damage.
3. Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a day in a well-ventilated area to prevent rot. Dusting the cut surfaces with a fungicide can help prevent fungal infections.
4. Replant the tuber sections in well-draining soil at a depth of 1-2 inches, with the buds facing up. Water lightly to settle the soil and place the pots in a warm, shaded area. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Potting & Repotting
To plant a Caladium, start by selecting a good-quality container with excellent drainage holes from a local nursery. Ideal soil for Caladiums should have good drainage and be mixed with organic materials. A potting mix that includes vermiculite, perlite, coco coir, and peat moss ensures proper drainage. Once you’ve chosen your container, mix the soil blend and potting mix, and plant your Caladiums. Press the soil gently around the plant roots and keep watering until the soil is completely saturated. Place the container in a bright, indirect light location.
Caladium plants grow rapidly, so they may need repotting within 1-2 years. When you notice significant growth and roots emerging from the pot, it’s time to start repotting. Select an appropriate container with good drainage and add a fresh mix of potting soil. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently separate the roots, and place the plant in the new container with the new soil mix. During repotting, provide the plant with a light fertilizer and ample water. Typically, repotting is done during the growing season, so adjust accordingly in colder months. Repotting allows the plant to get fresh soil and gather more nutrients from the new soil. Additionally, repotting increases air circulation around the plant roots, and the roots can grow more comfortably in larger pots.
Common Problems With Caladium
Caladium plants typically face issues like leaf drooping, yellowing, and brown leaf problems. Since the leaves of Canadian plants are colorful and distinct, you can easily notice these problems. When leaves wilt and turn yellow or brown due to direct sunlight exposure, inadequate watering, and improper humidity levels, taking prompt action is crucial. Below is a discussion on dealing with wilted and discolored leaves:
Leaves Turning Yellow & Brown
The leaves of Caladium plants can turn yellow or brown due to various reasons. These problems arise from exposure to direct sunlight, excessive or insufficient watering, and inadequate humidity levels. If you use too little water than required and do not maintain bright light conditions, the leaves may turn yellow or brown. To address this issue, keep the plants in a bright, well-lit area and water them as needed, ensuring the growing medium dries out slightly between waterings. Additionally, if the leaves turn yellow or brown, you can consider pruning for resolution.
Dropping Leaves
There can be multiple reasons for Caladium plants’ leaves to drop. Sudden temperature fluctuations are a major cause of leaf drop, so keeping the plant in a stable temperature environment is crucial. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging in the roots, causing the leaves to drop. Always check the soil before watering and only water when the soil is completely dry. Additionally, a lack of nutrients can also cause the leaves to drop. Provide a fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium during the growing season to promote healthy growth and prevent leaf drop.
FAQ
Do Caladiums return annually?
Caladiums are typically grown as annuals in colder climates because they do not survive frost. In warmer regions (USDA zones 9-11), they can be perennial and return annually if the tubers are left in the ground. In colder areas, tubers should be dug up and stored over winter.
How fast do Caladiums grow?
Caladiums grow relatively quickly, with noticeable growth in 4 to 6 weeks after planting. They can reach full size in about 3 to 4 months, depending on growing conditions like warmth, light, and moisture. Ideal conditions promote rapid leaf development and vibrant foliage.
Can Caladiums grow seed?
Yes, Caladiums can grow from seeds, but it is less common than propagating from tubers. Growing Caladiums from seeds is more challenging and slower, requiring a warm environment. Germination and growth can take several months.