Caladiums are popular ornamental plants recognized for their vibrant, colorful leaves. These tropical plants originate from the warm, humid forests of South and Central America. They are primarily cultivated for their striking foliage, which provides a dramatic visual impact in various settings.
Distinctive Foliage
Caladiums are known for their diverse leaf shapes and intricate patterns. Leaves can present as heart-shaped, arrow-shaped, or lance-shaped, offering a range of textural interest. Their coloration spans a broad spectrum, including white, pink, red, green, rose, burgundy, and chartreuse. Some varieties even display a translucent quality in their leaves.
Growth Habits and Types
Caladiums develop from tuberous corms, underground storage organs for dormant periods. These plants are categorized into two main types based on their leaf form and overall stature. “Fancy-leaved” caladiums feature large, heart-shaped leaves and can reach heights ranging from 12 to 30 inches. Conversely, “strap-leaved” or “lance-leaved” varieties possess narrower, more elongated leaves and maintain a more compact growth habit, staying under 12 inches tall. Caladiums rarely produce flowers, and when they do, these inconspicuous blooms are often removed by growers to direct the plant’s energy toward developing more vigorous and colorful foliage.
Optimal Growing Environment
Caladiums thrive in warm, humid conditions, reflecting their tropical origins. They are grown as annuals in cooler climates, USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, due to cold sensitivity. In warmer regions, USDA zones 9 through 11, their tubers can remain in the ground year-round as perennials. Cultivation begins when soil temperatures reach at least 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is when their corms begin to sprout.
Caladium varieties prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight, as intense, direct sun exposure can cause their vibrant leaf colors to fade or even scorch the delicate foliage. Some newer cultivars have shown improved tolerance for more direct sunlight, especially the gentler morning sun. The ideal soil for caladiums is well-drained, moist, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. While they require steady moisture, it is important to prevent waterlogging to prevent tuber rot.
Cultivation and Safety
Cultivating caladiums is straightforward, popular with gardeners of all levels. They are versatile plants, well-suited for various applications, including containers, hanging baskets, and as accent plants in garden borders or landscape designs. In regions with cooler winters, gardeners can dig up the tubers before the first frost. These tubers can then be stored indoors in a dry, cool location, between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, over winter for replanting the following spring once temperatures warm up.
Despite their beauty, it is important to handle caladiums with caution due to their toxicity. All parts of the caladium plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested or in contact with skin. This makes them potentially harmful to both people and pets. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plants and to keep them out of reach of curious children and animals to prevent accidental exposure.