Angel Wings plants (Caladium) are known for their striking, colorful foliage, featuring heart-shaped leaves in shades of red, pink, white, and green. While popular indoors, they thrive outdoors, adding continuous color to garden beds and containers, especially where flowering plants might struggle.
Outdoor Suitability and Site Selection
Angel Wings plants, native to tropical South and Central America, thrive in warm, humid conditions. They are perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-12. In cooler climates (Zone 8 and below), they are grown as seasonal annuals or their tubers are stored for winter, as frost can severely damage them.
They prefer filtered sunlight or partial to full shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, as intense direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing brown patches or burnt edges. While some newer varieties tolerate more sun, they still benefit from protection during the hottest parts of the day. A site sheltered from strong winds is also beneficial, as large leaves can be easily damaged.
Well-draining, rich, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) is important. Amend the planting area with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage, preventing tuber rot from waterlogging. Plant tubers about 2 inches deep with the “eyes” facing upwards, spacing them 8-12 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting.
Ongoing Outdoor Care
Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated, especially during warm periods. Water when the top 1-2 inches feel dry. Container plants may need daily watering in summer, while garden plants can be watered less often, especially with mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization supports robust foliage growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season, or use a slow-release granular fertilizer at the season’s start. Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Remove any small, inconspicuous flowers to redirect energy to leaf development. Regularly remove yellowing, damaged, or spent leaves to improve air circulation, deter pests and diseases, and encourage new growth.
Common Outdoor Challenges
Common insect pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs or snails. Aphids and spider mites feed on plant sap, causing distorted or discolored leaves. Slugs and snails chew holes in foliage. Inspect plants regularly, especially leaf undersides, to detect infestations early. Non-chemical controls like insecticidal soap for mites and aphids, or hand-picking slugs and snails, are effective.
Fungal issues like root rot often result from overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and declining vigor. Prevent this by ensuring proper drainage and allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Leaf spot diseases, appearing as discolored spots, can be prevented by good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Leaf scorch, characterized by browned or burnt edges, results from too much direct sun, insufficient moisture, or low humidity. Mitigate this by moving plants to shade, increasing watering, and mulching. Wilting foliage signals underwatering or extreme heat. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Strong winds can damage large leaves, so a sheltered location is beneficial.
Winterizing Angel Wings
In regions below USDA Hardiness Zone 9, dig up Angel Wings tubers for winter storage. The ideal time is in fall, after foliage yellows and dies back naturally, or after the first light frost. Allowing foliage to die back helps the plant store energy in the tubers.
Carefully dig tubers, leaving foliage attached. Allow them to dry, or “cure,” in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for one to two weeks. Once foliage withers, cut it off about an inch above the tuber and gently brush away any soil.
Store tubers in a cool, dark, dry location above 50-60°F (10-16°C). Place them loosely in mesh bags or pack in a breathable medium like dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to prevent moisture loss and rot. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Replant dormant tubers in spring after frost danger passes and soil warms.