Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ is a popular ornamental plant, celebrated for its vibrant and distinctive foliage. This tropical plant adds a bold splash of color to shaded garden areas, enhancing landscapes. It provides continuous color throughout warmer months, making it a favorite for container plantings, mixed beds, and ground cover.
Distinctive Features of Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’
Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ is distinguished by its intensely colored, heart-shaped leaves. Each heart-shaped leaf features a striking, deep scarlet red center that radiates outwards. This vibrant red is bordered by a wide margin of emerald green, creating a strong contrast.
The large leaves have an undulating, or wavy, surface, adding texture. This caladium cultivar typically reaches 12 to 18 inches tall, forming a compact, lush display. This combination of vivid coloration, unique leaf shape, and moderate size makes ‘Florida Cardinal’ a focal point in any garden setting.
Planting and Cultivation
Choosing the Right Location and Soil
Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ thrives in warm, consistently moist environments. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its vibrant leaf colors are most pronounced and protected from scorching. ‘Florida Cardinal’ maintains its best appearance when shielded from intense, direct afternoon sunlight.
Ideal soil is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5). Amending the planting area with compost provides nutrients and improves drainage. Good drainage is important as caladium tubers are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.
Planting Caladium Bulbs
Plant caladium bulbs in spring after frost risk has passed, when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C). Planting in cool soil can lead to slow growth or tuber rot. For in-ground planting, bulbs should be set about 1 to 2 inches deep with the “eyes” or knobby side facing upwards.
Space bulbs 6 to 12 inches apart. For container planting, use pots with drainage holes and a high-quality potting mix, planting bulbs at a similar depth. Starting bulbs indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost can give them a head start.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy; waterlogging causes tubers to rot. During dry periods, especially for outdoor plantings, weekly watering is often necessary. Plants in containers may require more frequent watering, sometimes daily during peak heat, due to quicker soil drying.
A 2-inch layer of mulch around outdoor plants helps conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature. Reduce and eventually stop watering when leaves yellow and die back for dormancy.
Fertilizing
Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season. Fertilize every four to six weeks while the plant is actively growing. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, can be applied once foliage has emerged.
A slow-release granular fertilizer can be incorporated at planting, or a liquid fertilizer applied every two weeks. Over-fertilization can harm tubers and lead to leaf burn. Cease fertilization as the plant prepares for dormancy in the fall.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ thrives in warm conditions, with ideal daytime temperatures of 70-75°F (21-24°C) and nighttime temperatures above 60°F (15.5°C). Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) stunt growth, and below 37°F (2.7°C) can damage or kill plants. High humidity benefits leaf health, preventing browning.
In dry environments, increase humidity by misting foliage, grouping plants, or placing pots on pebble trays filled with water. For indoor cultivation or starting bulbs, providing bottom heat can encourage faster sprouting.
Overwintering Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’
In regions with freezing winter temperatures (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8), overwinter Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ bulbs. Begin in fall as temperatures cool and foliage dies back, or after the first light frost.
Carefully dig up the bulbs, being gentle to avoid damage, and remove most of the soil clinging to them. Leave the foliage attached initially as the bulbs dry. Air dry bulbs in a warm, shady, well-ventilated location for one to two weeks until completely dry.
After drying, trim shriveled foliage about one inch above the bulb. Store cleaned, cured bulbs in a cool, dry, dark place at 50-60°F (10-15.5°C). Place them in a mesh bag, paper bag, or a box filled with dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. This provides good ventilation and prevents moisture accumulation, which can lead to rot. Avoid using plastic bags as they trap humidity.
Common Issues and Solutions
Caladium ‘Florida Cardinal’ plants generally resist many common garden problems, but issues often arise related to environmental conditions. Brown or scorched leaf edges signal insufficient moisture, low humidity, too much fertilizer, or excessive sun exposure. Resolve this by adjusting watering to keep soil consistently moist, increasing humidity, and ensuring appropriate shade.
Yellowing or wilting leaves indicate improper watering. Check soil moisture regularly, allowing the top inch to dry before watering to prevent both overwatering and underwatering. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes to prevent soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Stunted or distorted foliage may indicate pests like spider mites, aphids, or thrips. Inspect leaf undersides and stems for pests and treat with insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases, like root rot, can also occur, often due to overly wet soil conditions. Improving drainage and allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings can help prevent these issues.