Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ is a popular ornamental plant known for its striking foliage. It brings vibrant color to shaded garden spaces or indoor environments. Its ease of care and visual appeal make it a favored choice for enhancing plant collections.
Distinctive Features of ‘Berries and Burgundy’
The ‘Berries and Burgundy’ Caladium features large, heart-shaped leaves with a remarkable blend of colors. The primary leaf color is a coppery-bronze or dark green, overlain with a reddish-bronze cast. Vibrant fuchsia-pink or red-orange veins dramatically contrast this bronze base, radiating across the leaf surface. Some leaves also feature grey-green flecks or touches of white, especially around the midvein and lateral veins. The petioles, or leaf stalks, can be pink with brown stripes, complementing the foliage.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Light
Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain vibrant leaf coloration and prevents scorch. While it tolerates full shade, semi-shaded locations with 40% to 60% shade often yield the best results. Too much direct sunlight can bleach leaves or cause necrotic margins, while insufficient light leads to stretched petioles and weaker plants with less intense color. Indoors, place the plant near a window that provides filtered or bright, indirect exposure.
Watering
Consistent moisture is essential for Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’, but avoid overly wet soil to prevent tuber rot. Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch or two to dry slightly before rewatering. Check soil moisture by feeling it with a finger to determine when to water.
Soil Requirements
This Caladium cultivar performs best in a rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained potting mix. High peat or organic matter content aids water retention. Many commercial potting mixes designed for tropical plants are suitable. Incorporating components like perlite or coco coir enhances drainage while keeping the soil light and aerated.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ requires warm temperatures for vigorous growth. Active growth occurs above 60°F (15°C), with soil temperatures ideally reaching at least 65°F (18°C) for outdoor planting. These plants prefer high humidity. To increase humidity for indoor plants, use a pebble tray, mist leaves regularly, or place a humidifier nearby.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring through summer), Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every two to four weeks. Alternatively, incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at the beginning of the growing season.
Planting and Dormancy Care
Planting Corms
Plant Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ corms in spring after the last frost, when outdoor temperatures consistently stay above 60°F (15°C) and soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C). For outdoor planting, place corms 1.5 to 2 inches deep with the “eyes” or growing points facing upwards. Space multiple corms about one per square foot, allowing room for plants to reach 1 to 2 feet tall and spread 1 to 1.5 feet. In cooler climates, start corms indoors in a warm, moist, well-drained location before transplanting outdoors.
Winter Dormancy
As temperatures cool in fall, Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ plants enter dormancy. Foliage will yellow and droop, signaling the plant is preparing for its resting phase. Gradually reduce watering.
Once foliage has completely died back and can be easily detached, carefully lift corms from the soil. After cleaning off excess soil, air-dry corms in a warm location for several days. Store them in a cool (50°F–60°F or 10°C–15°C), dry, well-ventilated place, often packed in lightly moistened peat moss or sand. This protects the corms until replanting the following spring.
Common Issues and Solutions
Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’ may show issues if growing conditions are not met.
Leaf browning or crisping often indicates insufficient humidity or underwatering. Increase ambient humidity and ensure consistent soil moisture.
Yellowing leaves suggest overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Check soil drainage and adjust fertilization.
Fading leaf color, if not from excessive light, points to low light conditions. Move the plant to a brighter indirect light source.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, results from inadequate light.
Pests like spider mites may appear as tiny webs or speckled leaves. A gentle insecticidal soap spray can manage infestations.
Root rot, caused by consistently soggy soil, leads to mushy corms and wilting foliage. Improve drainage and reduce watering.
Safety Considerations
Caladium ‘Berries and Burgundy’, like all Caladium varieties, contains calcium oxalate crystals, making the plant toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Ingestion symptoms include irritation of the mouth and throat, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Wear gloves when handling the plant. Keep Caladium plants out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption.