Caladium plants are beautiful tropic tender perennials with stunning , multicolored centre - shape leave-taking . Caladium bicolor — also called Heart of Jesus — is the most popular metal money of the shade - loving leafy plant . Caladium leaves can be magnificent colour combination of pinkish , dark-green , red , and white-hot . Caladiums are well-to-do to grow as summer annuals or spectacular houseplant .
Mostcaladium varietiesare cultivars of the speciesCaladium bicolor . This tropic plant originates from South America . The common names ofCaladium bicolorcultivars generally trace the vivacious , colored heart - shaped leaves . Some examples are ‘ Florida Red Ruffles , ’ ‘ Red Flash , ’ ‘ Strawberry Star , ’ and ‘ White Dynasty . ’
This clause is a complete guide to growing colorful caladium plant . You will find helpful advice on have sure that caladiums thrive indoors as colorful houseplants . Additionally , you will learn about caring for caladium plant in a summertime garden .
How to Care for Caladium Plants
To wish for caladium flora , acquire the unusual tropic leafage plants in a shaded localization . Caladiums grow best in a light , rich , well - draining potting commixture that is evenly moist . irrigate the flora when the soil feels teetotal . fecundate caladiums every two workweek in the growing season . The minimum temperature for caladiums is 65 ° F ( 18 ° ascorbic acid ) .
In cold-blooded climates , grow species ofCaladium bicoloras colorful foliage houseplant . Alternatively , dig up the caladium electric light from your garden and store them in a cool , dry plaza for replanting the following spring .
Facts About Caladium Plants
Caladium is a genus of tropic , flowering industrial plant in the familyAraceae . caladium have leaves in heart chassis or that look like rounded arrowheads . Although caladium bloom with flower that look like calla lilies , they are grown for their striking coloured leaf .
Heart of Jesus is the most plebeian name forCaladium bicolorplants . You may seeCaladium bicolorplants sell under the botanic nameCaladium x hortulanum . Other names for caladium include ‘ elephant ’s spike ’ and ‘ angel wings . ’
There are over 1,000 caladium cultivars .
Caladium plants in pots get around 24 ” ( 60 cm ) gamy and are about the same breadth . you could also find out dwarfCaladium bicolorcultivars if you want a compact houseplant with smaller leaves .
Caladium plants are related to other plants that partake the name ‘ elephant ears . ’ You may find plants in the generaAlocasia , Colocasia , andXanthosomaalso share the common name withCaladium . So , to live what you ’re buying , it ’s respectable to front at the botanical name .
Caladium plants spring up in USDA zones 10 through 12 . In their native home ground of Brazil and South America , Caladiumspecies grow on the shadedrainforestfloor . Their aboriginal environment is strong , humid , and shaded . For this intellect , caladium plants are typically grown in tummy as recurrent houseplant or annuals in cold climate .
Caladium Flowers
shut up pictures of caladium bloom
Caladium blossom are minuscule white flowers that are distinctive of plant in the familyAraceae . The flowers consist of a little flowering stiletto heel called a spadix . This is surrounded by a spathe , which looks like a bloodless curled leaf . Sometimes , caladium flowers are called spathe flowers .
Caladiums growing as annual outdoors or repeated houseplant seldom flower . However , there ’s nothing to concern about . The stunning people of color combinations on the pointed , heart - work leaves make up for any lack of flower on a caladium plant .
Caladium Leaves
Caladium farewell do in a wide array of beautiful color combinations
Caladium parting are the most attractive feature of this leaf plant . leaf on caladiums are either heart - influence with a pointed end and wide , rounded base . Or they can be narrower and look like arrowheads or lanceolate - shaped leaves . All caladium plants have lush bi - colored or multicolored leaves .
Here are the two types of caladium leaves :
All varieties of caladium have outstanding leafage . The caladium leaf could have spattering of color , pronounced veins , or speckled vibrantly - colored Lucy in the sky with diamonds . Color combinations of caladium leaves can be dark green and bright pinkish , white and green or red , or twinkle pink and lime green .
But because there are M of Heart of Jesus ( Caladium bicolor ) cultivar , the color combination and foliage design are almost interminable .
Caladium Bulbs
Caladium bulb are tuberous root called corm . Caladium leave of absence grow flat from the bulbs that are planted a few inches deep in the soil . Caladium bulbs do n’t tolerate rime or moth-eaten temperature . If you grow caladium as annuals , you ’ll require to grind up the bulbs and overwinter them indoors .
To winterise caladium bulb , cautiously dig them up after descent when the leaves start turn yellow . It ’s vital to will the foliage attached to the caladium bulbs . commit the Tuber in a nerveless , blue way for three weeks . During this time , the caladium go abeyant .
After the bulbous root have dry , polish off the leaf stanch , brush off loose dirt , and store them over winter in a dry spot at 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) .
How to plant caladium bulbs
Plant caladium bulbs outdoorswhen there is no risk of infection of frost . Ideally , the grime temperature should be between 60 ° F and 70 ° F ( 15 ° century – 21 ° C ) . In some location , you ’ll necessitate to wait until late leaping or other summer to plant caladium bulbs outdoors . Plant the caladium genus Tuber in a shaded point in your backyard .
The sentence toplant caladium bulbs indoorsis about six to eight weeks before you plan to transplant to your yard . In springiness , plant caladium tubers also ensures that they produce fast , even if you decide to grow the plants as an indoor houseplant .
implant the caladium bulbs with the bumpy or knobbly side face up so that they ’re not upside down . weightlift into the moist potting soil , so they are about 2 ” ( 5 atomic number 96 ) below the surface . Plant the bulb in a shining location that is at least 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) to start up the flora ’s regrowth .
Caladium Care Guide
Where to Plant Caladium Bulbs
The good placement to get caladium plant life in your garden is in filtered Dominicus or shade . You should also check that there is protection from nothingness . Caladium leaves tend to be slight and delicate , and they are well damage in strong winds .
How to Grow Caladium Plants Indoors
Tropical repeated plants such asCaladium bicolorspecies grow well indoors . It ’s vital to place the plant pot away from unmediated sunlight . Also , Heart of Jesus plant need ardent , humid conditions to thrive .
However , it ’s good to remember that all caladium species die back in winter and enter dormancy . When this hap , you may store the bulbs for replanting the undermentioned class .
Light Requirements to Care for Caladium
Caladium plants boom in shade or fond shade . grow alfresco or indoors , protecting delicate caladium leave from direct sunshine is all-important . acute twelve noon sun can scorch the leaves and blow over their vibrant colors . However , differentCaladium bicolorcultivars can defy varying idle conditions .
Typically , fancy leaf caladium are more shade - loving . Their big , liberal leaves can be easily damage in direct sunlight . If you want to grow backer wing plants in a cheery fix , choose a shoulder strap leaf caladium cultivar . Plants with narrow leave can withstand more sun .
Many new caladium cultivar have a high tolerance for bright sunshine .
The Best Soil for Growing Caladium Outdoors and Indoors
Caladium grows best in territory that is rich in organic material and has first-class drainage . To create the idealistic pot soil , meld one partpeat moss , one parthouseplant stain , and one part perlite . This potting intermixture for backer wings retains enough moisture , and the plus ofperlite improves drainage .
When ready the soil to implant caladium bulbs in your garden , it ’s good to work in peat moss and gravel or perlite for drainage .
The most critical care backsheesh when growing caladium plants is to prevent the territory from becoming waterlogged . The caladium tubers chop-chop commence to rot if they sit in soggy grime for too long .
How to Water Caladium Plants
Water caladium plants on a regular basis to prevent the grease from dry out . You may have to water caladium in hot weather as often as every day if the soil dries out fast . If the potting mix feels ironical to touch , then it ’s sentence to irrigate your indoor caladium industrial plant .
If you ’re rise caladium in your yard , a layer of mulcharound the plant ’s groundwork can help ascertain moisture levels .
Here are some utilitarian tips on watering caladium plants :
Temperature Range for Caladium Care
The Heart of Jesus plant grows best in warm , tropic temperature . The ideal temperature range — indoors or outdoors — for caladiums is between 70 ° F and 75 ° F ( 21 ° C – 23 ° cytosine ) during the mean solar day and 60 ° F to 65 ° F ( 15 ° C – 18 ° C ) at nighttime . flora in the genusCaladiumare not tolerant of cold temperature .
If you live in USDA zones 10 and 12 , you could grow angel wings plants outdoors throughout the year . you could also grow caladium bulbs indoors in temperate climates and take them alfresco when it ’s ardent .
Humidity Requirements for Growing Caladium
All variety ofCaladiumhave high humidness needs . test to keep indoor humidity at least 50 percent to foreclose the showy leaves from curling and plow brown . you could hike line moisture by placing the caladium pot on a pebble and water supply tray or using a room humidifier .
you’re able to spray a fine mist on caladium leaves . However , due to their in high spirits humidity requirements , mist may not be enough to keep tropic plants in the right humid atmosphere .
Top bakshis when produce caladium plants indoors : get plant together to increase humidity and keep the leave from drying out . Household air tends to be too dry for tropical plants .
How to Fertilize Caladium Plants
Angel wings plants profit from even fertilizing during the growing season . enforce a dilutedliquid houseplant fertilizerat half specialty every one to two weeks during summer . When the caladium starts to pass away back , and the leaves twist lily-livered , stop fertilizing .
Repotting Caladium Houseplants
It ’s normally necessary to repot caladium houseplant every spring . It would typically be respectable if you overwinter caladium bulbs in a dark , cool , dry localization . The fourth dimension for repotting winterise bulb is in former leaping .
To plant caladium bulbs the correct agency up , front for the pointed lead or the bumpy side on the bulb . This part of the corm should point upward . establish the caladium genus Tuber about 2 ” ( 5 centimeter ) deep in a at large , porous potting mix . Then thoroughly water the land to remove any air pocket .
Top growing peak for planting caladium bulb : Don’t worry about planting caladium medulla oblongata upside down . The plant commonly finds its way out of the pot and starts growing — only have an extra few week to emerge .
Propagating Caladium Plants
The best way to spread caladium plants is by dividing the incandescent lamp . Before replant in spring , wait for light bulb that have at least one centre or knobby number . Divide the genus Tuber , so there is at least one eye on each section . leave behind for a day or two so that the wound prohibitionist . Then , plant the bulbs as common .
Pruning Caladium
Prune stagnant or decaying leaves from caladium plants by dress off the stems at the soil line . you could also remove caladium flush bud as they start up to appear . you could also prune off bushed foliage after the flora buy the farm back and you ’ve off the corms from the ground or potting mix .
Pests Affecting Caladium Plant Growth
Caladium plants tend to be comparatively resistant to pests . However , if growing precondition are n’t idealistic , you could have problems withaphids , mealybugs , orspider mites . It is also possible thatcaterpillars , grasshoppers , or snails could be attracted to the shiny , colorful caladium leaves .
Get rid of pests by use aneem oil solution . Mix 2 tsp . neem vegetable oil and 1 tsp . fluid dish liquid ecstasy in a quart ( 1 liter ) of piddle . merge in a nebuliser bottle and douse the caladium leaves once a calendar week to root out pesky insects and larvae .
related to interpretation : How to get rid of vulgar houseplant pests .
Diseases Affecting Caladium Plant Growth
you’re able to prevent disease from killing a tender caladium perennial by watering the plant correctly . Overwatering or poor drainage can stimulate caladium bulbs to start decaying . Soon , fungous infection will eat aside at the root , make the beautiful foliage to turn yellow .
If you surmise a fungal genus Tuber disease , it ’s best to dig up the industrial plant or remove it from the slew . snub off any mushy ascendent section and replant the genus Tuber in damp dirt . Remember to only piddle caladiums enough to keep the soil moist but not damp .
Are Caladium Plants Toxic?
Caladium plant are toxic to humans , as well as cats and hound . Doctors saythat all parts of plants in theCaladiumgenus , includingCaladium bicolor , are harmful if immerse or chewed . Exposure to the plant can induce skin rashes and severe itchiness .
Additionally , the ASPCAsaysthat elephant ear flora in theAraceaefamily , including Caladium species , are toxic to dogs and cat-o'-nine-tails .
FAQ About Growing Caladium Plants
Why are my caladiums drooping?
Underwatering is the most common reason caladium leaves wilt and depart to droop . You should water caladium plants often enough so that the soil is evenly moist but never soggy . assay giving the tropical flora more H2O to aid take it back to living .
Why are my caladium plant leaves turning yellow?
A lack of humidness is often to blame for caladium leaves becoming lily-livered . However , too much lachrymation could also do yellow leafage if the ascendent are decaying . So , it ’s lively to hold in how well you ’re caring for your tropic houseplant .
It ’s good to call up that caladiums die back before winter , and their leaves turn xanthous . Yellow leaf on a caladium growing outside usually think of it ’s time to dig up the bulbs and winterize them , ready for plant the following spring .
How do you revive a caladium?
Caladium bulbs go inactive during winter . If you overwinter your bulb , you’re able to renovate them in spring before constitute them in your garden .
About eight week before you plant the caladium bulbs in your garden . you could imbed the medulla oblongata in a light , moist potting mix , make certain there are about 2 ” below the soil ’s surface . After about three calendar week , the bulb should set out to regrow .
Species of Caladium Plants
Heart of Jesus Caladium (Caladium bicolor)
The Heart of Jesus is the mainCaladium bicolorspecies plant . This fancy flip caladium has large heart - shaped , slender , papery leaves . meat of Jesus cultivars have sensational leaves in multiple color and pattern combining .
Some pointed heart leaf look whole pink with green sharpness . Others are green with clean speckles and walk out violent veins that search like a jumbo wanderer . Some Heart of Jesus cultivars have green leaves that seem as if pinkish , white , or cerise paint was splashed on them .
Moonlight Caladium(Caladium bicolor‘Moonlight’)
Moonlight Caladium is a fancy leafage plant life with huge , bright white , almost translucent leaves with unripe margins and mineral vein . ‘ moonshine ’ caladium leaves can grow up to 6 ” ( 15 atomic number 96 ) long .
White Dynasty Caladium (Caladium bicolor‘White Dynasty’)
The magnificent ‘ White Dynasty ’ is a sunlight - tolerant caladium with lustrous , creamy - ashen folio and green margin .
Caladium Lindenii
The strikingCaladium lindeniihas green , aim arrowhead allow with unique creamy - white veins that resemble leaves from anAfrican mask plant .
Florida Sweetheart Caladium (Caladium bicolor‘Florida Sweetheart’)
The stunning ‘ Florida Sweetheart ’ is a strap folio caladium withrosy - red , bi - dyed leavesand green border .
Caladium ‘Red Flash’ (Angel wings ‘Red Flash’)
The centre - catch ‘ Red Flash ’ caladium has European olive tree - unripened , warmheartedness - shaped parting with recondite cherry-red venous blood vessel and pink maculation adorning the leaves .
Caladium ‘Florida Red Ruffles’
The ‘ Florida Red Ruffles is a strap leaf caladium with bi - colored bolshie and unripened leave that sport wavelike margins and pointed tip .
Caladium ‘Strawberry Star’ (Caladium bicolor ‘Strawberry Star’)
‘ Strawberry Star ’ is an decorative caladium houseplant that features bright bloodless , almost semitransparent leaves with green veining and splashes of pink color .
Caladium ‘Carolyn Whorton’ (Caladium bicolor ‘Carolyn Whorton’)
The sun tolerant ‘ Carolyn Whorton ’ caladium has large , heart - shaped leaves with pink , reddened , and fleeceable color . non-white - green margins surround pink leaves that feature red vein in the heart and soul .
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