How to Grow Caladium

Caladium

Caladium bicolor

flower

Caladiums are tropical foliage plants prized for their large, heart-shaped leaves displaying striking patterns of white, pink, red, and green. Though they produce small flowers, they are grown primarily for their decorative foliage. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and add dramatic color to shaded garden beds and containers.

Looking for a specific variety?

Moonlight Freida Hemple Carolyn Whorton White Queen Red Flash Gingerland

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Avoid full sun, which can fade leaf colors and scorch foliage.

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in fall as plants enter dormancy. Humidity should be high (50-80%); mist leaves regularly or use a humidity tray.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart depending on mature size of variety inches

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Days to maturity: 4-6 weeks from planting to full foliage display

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Planting depth: Plant tubers 1-2 inches deep with the bumpy side (eyes) facing up

Soil

Type: Well-draining, rich organic soil with high humus content

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost or composted bark Perlite or sand for drainage Peat moss Organic fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 9b-11; grown as annuals in cooler zones or as indoor houseplants year-round

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Dormancy/Planting

1-2 weeks until sprouting

Caladium tubers are dormant and stored. Select firm, disease-free tubers and prepare soil with added peat and perlite.

Start tubers indoors in late winter (4-6 weeks before last frost) or directly in garden beds when soil reaches 70°F. Keep soil warm and moist for sprouting.

Sprouting

1-2 weeks

Initial leaf buds (eyes) break through soil. First petioles (leaf stems) emerge.

Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F), consistent moisture, and high humidity. Provide indirect light. Do not over-water.

Vegetative/Leaf Development

6-10 weeks

Heart-shaped leaves unfurl and expand rapidly. Colors develop and intensify. Plant grows outward and upward with multiple petioles emerging.

Provide bright, filtered light to develop vibrant colors. Maintain warm, humid conditions. Water consistently. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer.

Peak Foliage

4-8 weeks (summer through early fall)

Plant reaches full size with dense, colorful foliage display. Small, insignificant flowers may appear on a spadix (flower spike).

Continue consistent watering and high humidity. Remove any flowers to direct energy to foliage. Monitor for pests. Pinch back any leggy growth.

Dormancy

4-6 weeks

As temperatures cool and daylight decreases (fall), leaves begin to yellow and decline. Plant naturally senesces.

Gradually reduce watering. Stop fertilizing. Allow foliage to die back naturally. Dig up tubers after frost kills foliage, or allow them to stay in ground in warm zones. Store dry tubers in cool (55-60°F), dark place over winter.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Fern Begonia Coleus Impatiens Bromeliad Philodendron Elephant ear

Avoid planting near:

Full-sun perennials Plants that prefer dry conditions Drought-tolerant succulents

Common Pests

Increase humidity by misting and grouping plants. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until controlled. Ensure adequate air circulation.
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Isolate infested plants.
Scrape off manually or treat with horticultural oil spray. Repeat treatments weekly as needed.
Reduce watering frequency to allow soil surface to dry. Use sticky yellow traps. Apply soil drench with insecticidal soap if severe.
Improve drainage and reduce watering. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Repot with fresh soil if rot is detected. Remove affected tubers.
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply fungicide if widespread.

Uses

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Edible tubers (traditional use)

Culinary

In tropical regions, caladium tubers are occasionally eaten after thorough cooking, as they contain calcium oxalate crystals that are neutralized by heat. This is not common in modern cultivation and requires careful preparation. [source]

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Indoor ornamental décor

Household

Caladiums are popular houseplants for adding tropical color to interior spaces, especially shaded corners and offices. Their large, variegated leaves create dramatic visual interest. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Craft

Individual caladium leaves are used in tropical-themed floral arrangements and last several days when stems are placed in water. Their bold colors and patterns make striking focal elements. [source]

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Shade garden focal points

Wildlife

Caladiums create lush, colorful shade garden displays that attract attention and provide textural contrast to other foliage plants. They enhance the visual appeal of shaded landscaping. [source]

Harvest Tips

Caladiums are grown for foliage, not harvested in the traditional sense. Enjoy leaves throughout the season. Cut individual leaves as desired for arrangements; they last several days in water. In fall, after foliage dies back, carefully dig tubers, let dry, store in cool dry place over winter, and replant the following spring.

Fun Facts

🌱 Caladiums are native to South America, particularly the Amazon Basin, where they grow on the forest floor in dappled shade.
🌱 The name 'caladium' comes from the Tupi indigenous word 'taioba,' reflecting the plant's tropical origins.
🌱 Caladium tubers can be propagated by dividing larger tubers in spring, provided each piece has at least one 'eye' (growth bud).

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