Caladium ‘Hilo’ is a visually striking foliage plant. Its large, dark green leaves feature prominent chartreuse to lime green veins, creating a camouflage-like pattern. Its distinctive coloration and heart-shaped foliage make it a sought-after addition for tropical plant enthusiasts. Its upright, clumping habit allows it to serve as a focal point.
Caladium Hilo Care Essentials
Caladium ‘Hilo’ thrives in environments that mimic its tropical origins, requiring consistent attention to light, water, soil, and humidity during its active growth. Optimal care ensures the plant develops its full, vibrant foliage.
Light
Caladium ‘Hilo’ prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its striking coloration and prevent scorching. For indoor cultivation, an east-facing window or filtered light is ideal. Excessive direct sunlight bleaches leaves or causes necrotic margins, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth and less vibrant foliage. Outdoors, a semi-shaded location with 40% to 60% shade is optimal.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important, but avoid waterlogged soil to prevent tuber rot. Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top 2 inches (5 cm) to dry before rewatering. Yellowing or wilting leaves indicate overwatering, while drooping, dry-feeling leaves suggest underwatering. Watering frequency depends on temperature, humidity, and pot size, often requiring watering several times a week during warm periods.
Soil
It performs well in a rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil mix. An ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. A suitable potting mix includes peat moss, perlite, and general-purpose potting soil for good drainage and moisture retention. This mixture prevents compaction and allows proper aeration around the tubers, important for root health.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Caladium ‘Hilo’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 N-P-K), applied at half strength every two to four weeks, promotes robust leaf development. Diluting the fertilizer prevents nutrient burn, and feeding should cease as the plant prepares for dormancy in fall.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladium ‘Hilo’ thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 90°F (18°C-32°C). Temperatures below 60°F (16°C) can cause leaf discoloration, limpness, and plant decline. High humidity (50% to 80%) is also beneficial. To increase indoor humidity, mist daily, place the pot on a pebble tray, or group plants together.
Planting and Dormancy
Understanding the planting process and managing its natural dormancy cycle are crucial for Caladium ‘Hilo’s long-term success. Its tuberous nature means it undergoes a period of rest, particularly in cooler climates.
When and How to Plant
Plant Caladium ‘Hilo’ tubers after the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently warm (ideally around 65°F/18°C or higher). For containers, select a pot approximately twice the tuber’s size. Plant tubers 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm) deep, with “eyes” or growth points facing upwards. In garden beds, space tubers 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) apart in a semi-shaded, consistently moist location.
Dormancy Care
Caladium ‘Hilo’ enters dormancy as temperatures drop and days shorten in fall (typically September or October), with foliage yellowing and dying back as the plant transfers energy to the tuber. Gradually reduce watering and allow leaves to shrivel. Once foliage dies, carefully dig up tubers, clean them, and air dry for one to two weeks in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Store tubers in a dry medium (e.g., peat moss, vermiculite, coco humus) in a warm, dark location (50°F-60°F/10°C-16°C). Tubers require at least 10 weeks of dormancy before replanting in late winter or early spring.
Propagating Caladium Hilo
Propagating Caladium ‘Hilo’ is primarily achieved through tuber division, a straightforward method to expand a collection. Perform this process before active growth begins in spring.
Gently remove the plant from its container to access the tubers. Using a sharp, sterilized knife or shears, divide the main tuber into sections. Each section must contain at least one “eye” or growth point, from which new foliage will emerge. After division, air dry cut sections for a day or two to allow callousing, reducing rot risk once planted.
Once calloused, plant each tuber section just beneath the surface of a well-draining potting mix, with the eye facing upwards. Lightly water newly planted divisions to settle the soil. Place pots in a warm spot with bright, indirect light to encourage root development and new shoots.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While Caladium ‘Hilo’ is generally resilient, common issues can arise from environmental factors or care deviations. Addressing these problems promptly helps maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or underwatering, as both disrupt nutrient absorption. Nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen and iron, can also cause foliage to yellow. Brown leaf tips often point to low humidity or inconsistent watering, indicating inadequate moisture.
Leggy growth (elongated stems and sparse foliage) typically results from insufficient light as the plant stretches for illumination. Lack of foliage vibrancy, where patterns appear dull, also indicates inadequate light. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Manage these pests with organic solutions like insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied per instructions. Regular inspection helps detect infestations early.