Caladium Marie Moir is an ornamental plant prized for its distinctive foliage. This cultivar features bright white, heart-shaped leaves adorned with green veins and borders, accented by numerous purple or red spots. Its striking variegation makes it a popular choice for adding a vibrant touch to shaded garden areas, borders, or container arrangements. As a perennial growing from tubers, Caladium Marie Moir can reach heights of 11 to 16.5 inches with an upright habit. This plant is a cultivar of Caladium bicolor, a species known for its wide array of color combinations and leaf textures.
Planting Caladium Marie Moir
Planting Caladium Marie Moir tubers occurs after the last frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 70°F (21°C). In cooler climates, tubers can be started indoors approximately four weeks before the last expected frost date. When planting, position tubers 1 to 2 inches deep with the growing point facing upward. Space tubers 8 to 12 inches apart, with larger tubers requiring maximum spacing.
Caladium Marie Moir thrives in semi-shaded areas, preferring 40% to 60% shade, and benefits from bright, indirect light. It prefers well-draining, organically rich, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Amending the soil with compost or other organic matter improves aeration and drainage.
Ongoing Care for Caladium Marie Moir
Light Needs
Caladium Marie Moir prefers bright, indirect light for optimal leaf color. Placing the plant in a semi-shaded spot is ideal, as direct sun exposure can lead to bleached leaf color or burnt leaf margins. Inadequate light, conversely, may result in stretched petioles, larger leaves, and weaker plant structure. While it can tolerate medium light in a north or east-facing window indoors, foliage may be less abundant.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Caladium Marie Moir, as it does not tolerate dry conditions well. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. For plants in garden beds, weekly watering during dry periods is often sufficient. Container-grown plants require regular checks, with watering needed when the top inch of potting soil begins to dry.
Soil Requirements
Caladium Marie Moir grows best in a potting medium high in peat or organic matter with good water-holding capacity. An ideal soil pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. Incorporating a 2 to 3-inch layer of pine bark mulch or compost can significantly improve soil aeration, drainage, and organic content. Good drainage is important, as tubers are susceptible to rotting in overly wet conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladium Marie Moir thrives in warm conditions, with daytime temperatures ideally between 75-80°F (24-26°C) and nighttime temperatures at least 65°F (18°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause stunted growth or rot; below 35°F (2°C) can be fatal. High humidity (at least 50%) is also beneficial. To increase humidity, placing the plant on a saucer filled with pebbles and water, or using a humidifier, can be effective.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization supports strong foliage growth during the active growing season. A soluble fertilizer with a 2-2-3 or 1-1-1 NPK ratio is suitable. Over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen, can lead to stretched petioles, poor leaf color, or greening and brown spots on white-leaf cultivars. Applying a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season, or a time-release fertilizer, can provide consistent nutrients. For in-ground plants, an 8-8-8 fertilizer at a rate of 2 tablespoons per square foot every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended.
Managing Winter Dormancy
Caladium Marie Moir, a tropical plant, enters a natural dormancy period as temperatures cool, typically in autumn when nights become chilly. As leaves begin to fade and droop, usually before the first frost or when soil temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C), it signals the onset of dormancy. At this point, reduce watering as the leaves die back.
For tubers planted directly in the ground, they should be dug up before frost. After lifting, remove most of the soil and allow the tubers to dry for about a week in a warm, shaded location. Once dry, cut off any remaining leaves. Store cleaned tubers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, frost-free environment (e.g., dry sphagnum moss or a mesh bag) at 55-60°F (13-15°C). Tubers in containers can remain undisturbed in their pots indoors, allowing the growing medium to dry out completely.
Common Problems and Solutions
Caladium Marie Moir can exhibit issues linked to environmental conditions. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, while crispy leaves suggest insufficient moisture. Maintaining consistently moist, but not soggy, soil prevents watering-related problems. Brown leaf edges point to low humidity, remedied by increasing ambient moisture around the plant.
Light-related issues include scorched leaves from too much direct sunlight. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location or providing more shade can correct this. Conversely, leggy growth with less vibrant foliage might indicate insufficient light.
While generally pest-resistant, occasional infestations of spider mites, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, or whiteflies can occur. Addressing these with appropriate horticultural practices or gentle insecticidal treatments protects foliage.