Caladium praetermissum, commonly known as Caladium ‘Hilo Beauty’, is a striking tropical foliage plant. Native to regions like Hawaii, it features large, heart-shaped leaves with an irregular camouflage-like pattern, blending shades of dark green with lighter yellow-green or cream splotches. This distinctive appearance adds vibrant visual interest to indoor spaces and shaded outdoor areas.
Caladium Hilo Beauty Care Essentials
Light
Caladium ‘Hilo Beauty’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions, mimicking its natural habitat where it receives dappled sunlight under a canopy. Place it near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window with filtered light. Excessive direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown edges or fading. Insufficient light may dull colors or cause leaves to drop.
Watering
Caladium ‘Hilo Beauty’ needs consistent moisture but not soggy conditions. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Overwatering causes root rot. Use room-temperature water; if tap water is chlorinated, let it sit for 24 hours before use.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix is ideal. Use a blend rich in organic matter, like peat moss or coco coir, mixed with perlite or sand for aeration and drainage. This plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH (5.5-6.5). Pots must have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and tuber rot.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant thrives in warm environments, ideally 60-90°F (15-32°C). Temperatures below 60°F can harm the plant and cause leaf discoloration. High humidity (50-80%) is beneficial. Increase humidity by misting daily, placing the pot on a pebble tray, or using a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, fertilize Caladium ‘Hilo Beauty’ regularly. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks, or a slow-release granular fertilizer at the season’s start, to support foliage growth. Dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Seasonal Care and Dormancy
Caladium ‘Hilo Beauty’ is a tuberous plant that naturally enters dormancy in autumn or winter as temperatures drop and light diminishes. Its foliage will yellow and die back; this is normal. Once leaves fade, reduce and then cease watering. Tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place (e.g., dry peat moss) at 60-90°F (15-32°C).
To bring the plant out of dormancy, repot tubers in fresh, well-draining soil in early spring. Plant them about 2 inches deep with growth points facing upward. Water sparingly until new growth emerges, then gradually resume regular watering and fertilization. Repotting is recommended every two years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Adjust watering to allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings, and ensure adequate bright, indirect light. Browning leaf edges often point to low humidity or direct sun exposure; increase humidity or move to a shadier spot. Uniform brown leaves may signal over-fertilization, remedied by flushing the soil and reducing feeding.
While relatively pest-resistant, spider mites (fine webs, stippling) or aphids (small holes) can occur. Control these by rinsing foliage with water or applying insecticidal soap. Root rot, caused by overly wet soil, presents as mushy tubers or wilting leaves; it requires improved drainage and careful watering.
Propagating Caladium Hilo Beauty
Propagate Caladium ‘Hilo Beauty’ by dividing its tubers in early spring, before the new growing season. Carefully remove the tuber clump from its soil, shaking off excess. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut the tuber into sections, ensuring each has at least one visible “eye” or growth bud.
Plant each section individually in pots with well-draining, moist potting mix, about 2 inches deep with the bud facing upwards. Place newly potted tubers in a warm location with indirect sunlight and maintain consistent soil moisture. New sprouts will emerge as tubers establish roots and begin a new growth cycle.