The White Queen plant (Caladium bicolor ‘White Queen’) is an ornamental known for its large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white centers, contrasting green margins, and often pink or red veins. Popular for its tropical appearance, it’s used in indoor spaces and outdoor gardens, especially in warmer climates.
Caring for Your White Queen
Light Requirements
The White Queen caladium thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing brown spots or fading colors. Indoors, place the plant near an east or north-facing window with filtered light. Outdoors, it prefers partial to full shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day, making it suitable for shaded garden beds or under tree canopies.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is important for the White Queen, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to tuber rot. Water when the top inch or two (2-3 cm) of soil feels dry. Watering frequency may increase during warmer temperatures and higher humidity, and decrease as the plant approaches dormancy. Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, organic-rich, and slightly acidic soil mix is suitable for the White Queen caladium. A pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 is preferred. A blend might include houseplant potting soil combined with peat moss, perlite, sphagnum moss, or coco coir to enhance drainage and aeration while retaining moisture. Avoid heavy, clay-rich soils, which impede drainage and promote tuber rot.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, the White Queen caladium prefers warm temperatures, between 65-85°F (18-29°C) during its active growing season. Temperatures below 60°F (15.5°C) can cause leaf loss or premature dormancy. High humidity, around 50-70% or higher, is also beneficial. Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray, using a room humidifier, or grouping plants.
Feeding Your Plant
During the active growing season in spring and summer, the White Queen benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 or 8-7-6 formulation, applied every two to four weeks is recommended. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization as the plant prepares for dormancy in late summer or early fall.
Planting and Dormancy Cycle
Planting Tubers
White Queen caladium tubers should be planted in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures remain above 65°F (18°C). If starting indoors, tubers can be planted earlier in pots. Plant tubers with the “eyes” or growing points facing upwards, about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) deep. Space tubers approximately 8-12 inches apart in garden beds or plant one to three tubers in a gallon-sized pot for container growing.
Dormancy Management
Caladiums are seasonal plants that naturally enter dormancy, typically in fall and winter as temperatures drop and light diminishes. As foliage yellows and dies back, gradually reduce watering. Once leaves have withered, the plant is ready for dormancy.
For outdoor plants in cooler climates (USDA Zones 3-8), dig up tubers before the first frost. Clean off excess soil, air dry for one to two weeks, then store in a cool (above 50°F or 10°C), dry, dark place, packed in a dry medium to prevent rot. In warmer climates (zones 9-10), tubers can sometimes be left in the ground if protected from freezing.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Adjusting watering for consistent moisture without sogginess, and applying appropriate fertilizer, helps. Browning leaf tips often point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through pebble trays or humidifiers, and maintaining a regular watering schedule, alleviates this.
Stunted growth may result from poor soil quality or insufficient light. Repotting into a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mix and ensuring adequate bright, indirect light promotes healthier growth. Pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can affect caladiums. Treat these with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by rinsing leaves with water.
Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, manifesting as wilting or yellowing leaves and a foul smell from the soil. Proper drainage and allowing topsoil to dry between waterings prevent this.
Propagating and Repotting
Propagation Methods
The common method for propagating White Queen caladiums is by dividing their tubers. This process is typically performed in early spring before the growing season. Select healthy, plump tubers and cut them into smaller sections, ensuring each has at least one “eye” or growth point. Dust cut surfaces with a fungicide to help prevent rot before planting divisions in fresh potting mix.
When and How to Repot
Repotting the White Queen caladium is recommended in spring, either when the plant has outgrown its container or when the soil needs refreshing. Caladiums can be repotted every one to three years. When repotting, gently remove the plant from its old pot, refresh about two-thirds of the soil, and place it into a new pot that is only slightly larger if more space is needed. This helps avoid overwatering issues that can arise from a pot too large for the root system.
Safety Considerations
The White Queen plant (Caladium bicolor) contains calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts toxic if ingested. Ingestion by humans or pets can cause oral irritation, a burning sensation, salivation, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis. Keep White Queen plants out of reach of children and pets. Wearing gloves when handling the plant helps prevent skin irritation.