The ‘Caladium Splash of Wine’ captivates with its distinct, vibrant foliage, making it a favored choice for adding a tropical flourish to gardens or indoor spaces. This cultivar, developed in 2011, showcases an intricate blend of deep green veins, cranberry red spots, and a white to soft pink background. Its medium-sized, heart-shaped leaves offer a painterly touch to any setting.
Planting Your ‘Splash of Wine’ Caladium
When selecting bulbs for ‘Caladium Splash of Wine’, choose healthy, firm tubers. Larger tubers tend to produce more abundant foliage. The optimal time for planting outdoors is after the last frost, once soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65°F (18°C) and air temperatures are above 60°F (15°C). Planting too early in cool conditions can stunt growth or lead to rot.
For outdoor planting, select a location that offers part to full shade, providing bright, indirect light. While caladiums can tolerate some direct sun, particularly morning sun, excessive light can bleach leaf colors. For container planting, ensure the pot has drainage holes and is about twice the size of the tuber.
Caladiums thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Incorporating materials like peat moss, perlite, or coco humus can improve drainage and moisture retention. Plant the tubers 2 to 3 inches deep, with the “eyes” or growing points facing upwards. Space bulbs approximately 8 to 14 inches apart.
Ongoing Care for Stunning Leaves
‘Caladium Splash of Wine’ flourishes in bright, indirect light or partial to full shade. Protecting the plant from intense, direct afternoon sun prevents leaf scorch and color fading. In lower light conditions, leaves may become larger but potentially weaker.
Consistent moisture is important for these plants, as they do not tolerate dry conditions. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil begin to feel dry, ensuring the soil remains moist but never waterlogged to prevent tuber rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves, while underwatering can cause wilting and leaf loss.
High humidity is beneficial for ‘Caladium Splash of Wine’, ideally above 50%. In drier indoor environments, placing pebble trays filled with water near the plant or grouping plants can increase ambient humidity. Maintaining temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day and no lower than 65°F (18°C) at night promotes optimal growth. Temperatures below 59°F (15°C) can cause damage and stunt development.
Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 2-2-3 or 1-1-1 N-P-K ratio. Caladiums are sensitive to high nitrogen, so avoid over-fertilization, which can cause stretching and poor leaf color. A diluted application every two to four weeks is sufficient for potted plants.
Preparing for Dormancy and Winter Storage
As the growing season concludes and temperatures begin to drop below 60°F (15°C), ‘Caladium Splash of Wine’ enters dormancy, indicated by foliage yellowing and dying back. In regions where winter temperatures fall below freezing (USDA Zones 8 and lower), lift the bulbs from the ground.
Dig up tubers before the first hard frost, while some foliage still remains. After digging, gently remove most soil from the bulbs and allow them to dry for one to two weeks in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated area. Once leaves have shriveled and dried, cut them off about an inch above the bulb.
Store cleaned, dried bulbs in a cool, dry location with good air circulation, where temperatures remain consistently above 50°F (10°C). Packing them in dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust helps prevent desiccation and rot, ensuring the bulbs do not touch each other. With proper storage, these tubers can be replanted in spring once warm conditions return.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If ‘Caladium Splash of Wine’ leaves exhibit fading or a lack of vibrant color, it indicates too much direct light exposure, which can bleach the foliage. Moving the plant to a shadier location with indirect light resolves this issue. Nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to poor leaf coloration, suggesting balanced fertilization.
Browning leaf edges or tips point to insufficient humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through pebble trays or misting, and maintaining consistent soil moisture without overwatering, helps prevent these symptoms. Ensuring the plant is not near heating vents also reduces dry air exposure.
Yellowing leaves can result from several factors, including overwatering (which leads to root rot) or nutrient deficiencies. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Natural aging of older leaves can also cause yellowing. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, indicates insufficient light. Providing brighter, indirect light encourages more compact, bushier growth.
Caladiums can encounter common pests like spider mites or diseases such as fungal spots. Addressing pests involves using organic solutions like neem oil, while fungal issues can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Prompt removal of affected leaves limits spread.