Caladium ‘Kathleen’ is known for its vibrant, visually striking foliage. This cultivar features prominent heart-shaped leaves adorned with intricate patterns of light salmon-pink and light green, often with prominent veins and green edges. It’s a favored choice for adding a tropical and colorful element to indoor or outdoor spaces.
Caladium Kathleen Care Essentials
Light Requirements
Caladium ‘Kathleen’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions to maintain its vivid coloration. Placing the plant near an east-facing window or a few feet back from an unobstructed southern or western window can provide suitable lighting indoors. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, causing brown patches and fading of the vibrant colors. Conversely, if the plant’s colors appear less vibrant or its leaves turn green, it may indicate insufficient light.
Watering Practices
Maintaining consistent soil moisture for Caladium ‘Kathleen’. The top inch or two (2-3 cm) of soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings before rehydrating the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while insufficient watering can cause yellowing or wilting leaves. Ensuring the pot has ample drainage holes is important to prevent waterlogging. During the active growing season, watering once or twice weekly is usually sufficient.
Soil and Potting
Caladium ‘Kathleen’ prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix. An ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. A suitable substrate can be created by combining coco humus (2-3 parts), a mineral substrate like perlite or pon (1 part), and sphagnum moss (1 part). This blend helps retain moisture without becoming overly compacted, providing good aeration for the tubers.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladium ‘Kathleen’ thrives in warm and humid environments. Ideal temperatures range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24°C), with night temperatures ideally not dropping below 60°F (15°C). High humidity, ideally between 60-75%, can be increased through misting, using pebble trays filled with water, or grouping plants together. Avoiding sudden temperature changes is important, as these plants are sensitive and can experience stress.
Fertilizing Your Plant
During the active growing season, Caladium ‘Kathleen’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied every two to four weeks is often recommended. Some sources suggest a slow-release fertilizer at planting time, supplemented with a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage tubers and roots, and to cease fertilization when the plant begins to enter dormancy.
Managing Dormancy and Winter Storage
Caladium ‘Kathleen’ naturally enters a dormant period, usually in fall or winter, as temperatures cool and light levels decrease. During this phase, the foliage will begin to yellow, wilt, and die back. To prepare for dormancy, gradually reduce watering and stop fertilizing starting around October. Once the leaves have shriveled and died back, cease watering completely.
In USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and lower, tubers should be dug up before the first frost. After lifting the tubers, remove excess soil and allow them to dry and cure in a well-ventilated, dry place for one to two weeks, ideally at temperatures around 60°F (16°C) or higher. Once dry, cut off any remaining foliage. Store the tubers in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free location, such as a basement or cupboard, in materials like dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust, or even in a paper bag, at temperatures around 50-60°F (10-16°C).
Addressing Common Caladium Kathleen Problems
Yellowing leaves on Caladium ‘Kathleen’ can indicate several issues, including overwatering or underwatering, too much direct light, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring proper watering practices and adequate, indirect light can help address this. Brown leaf edges or crispy leaves often point to low humidity, underwatering, or excessive direct sunlight. Increasing humidity through misting or pebble trays, along with consistent moisture, can mitigate this.
A lack of vibrant leaf color might suggest insufficient light, as the plant’s coloration can fade without adequate indirect sun exposure. Adjusting the plant’s placement to a brighter, indirect light source can restore leaf vibrancy. Caladium ‘Kathleen’ can sometimes be affected by common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Inspecting the plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves, and treating infestations with insecticidal soap can manage these issues.