Caladium plants, often called “Calali,” are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Popular as houseplants and outdoor annuals, this guide helps cultivate these beautiful plants successfully.
Understanding Caladiums
Caladiums are tropical tuberous plants native to the warm, humid rainforests of Central and South America. Their appeal comes from their diverse, colorful leaves, which display shades of red, pink, white, and green, often with intricate veins, speckles, and contrasting margins. Leaves vary from heart-shaped to elongated forms.
Common types include “Fancy-Leaf” with larger, heart-shaped leaves and an upright habit, and “Strap-Leaf” with narrower, arrow-shaped leaves and a mounded form.
Essential Caladium Care
Caladiums thrive when their environmental needs are met during their active growing season. Providing proper conditions ensures healthy foliage.
Light Needs
Caladiums need bright, indirect light, similar to their natural dappled environment. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown edges or faded colors, especially for lighter varieties. Too little light results in duller coloration and leggy growth. For indoor plants, an east or north-facing window is ideal, or a sunny window with a sheer curtain.
Watering Practices
Caladiums prefer consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Overwatering causes root rot, while excessive dryness leads to yellowing and dropping leaves. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Pots must have adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Gradually reduce watering as the plant approaches dormancy in late summer or early fall.
Humidity Requirements
High humidity benefits Caladiums, which thrive in 60-80% relative humidity. Low humidity causes browning leaf tips and crispy edges. Increase humidity with a pebble tray, by grouping plants, or using a humidifier. Misting offers a temporary boost, but use a fine mist to prevent fungal issues from water droplets on leaves.
Soil and Potting
Caladiums need rich, well-draining, slightly acidic potting mixes (pH 5.5-6.5). A suitable mix includes potting soil with organic matter like compost or peat. Pots must have ample drainage holes to prevent water pooling and tuber rot. The pot size should allow room for tuber growth without being excessively large.
Fertilization
During their active growing season (spring to early fall), Caladiums benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly or every two to four weeks. Water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization as the plant prepares for dormancy in fall and winter.
Temperature Preferences
Caladiums are tropical plants that prefer warm temperatures, thriving between 65-85°F during the day and not below 60°F at night. Temperatures below 50°F can cause stress, yellowing leaves, or damage. Protect them from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature fluctuations. Plant outdoors only when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65°F.
Navigating Caladium Dormancy
Caladiums are tuberous plants that enter dormancy as temperatures cool and daylight shortens in fall. The first sign is yellowing and dying foliage. Gradually reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Once leaves wither, cut them back to soil level.
For overwintering, dig up tubers, clean off soil, and air dry for one to two weeks in a well-ventilated area. Store dried tubers in a cool, dry, dark place above 50°F (ideally 60-70°F), in peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust, ensuring they don’t touch to prevent rot. Replant tubers in spring when temperatures rise.
Propagating Caladiums
The primary method for multiplying Caladiums is tuber division, done in early spring before the new growing season. Carefully dig up dormant tubers or remove them from pots, then brush off soil to reveal “eyes” or growth points. Using a clean, sharp knife, divide the tuber into sections, each with at least one visible eye. Plant these sections about 2 inches deep in well-draining soil, with the eye facing upwards. Maintain consistent moisture; new foliage should emerge within several weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Caladium Issues
Caladiums may encounter problems, but most are resolvable. Yellowing leaves indicate improper watering (too much or too little) or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and adjust watering. Browning leaf tips or crispy edges point to insufficient humidity; increase ambient moisture. Stunted growth results from inadequate light or lack of nutrients; review light exposure and fertilization.
Common pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can affect Caladiums. Regularly inspect leaf undersides and stems for early detection. Manage mild infestations with insecticidal soap; improving air circulation deters some pests and fungal diseases. Root rot, characterized by wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul smell, is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Adjust watering and ensure proper drainage.
Caladium Toxicity
Caladium plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts, including leaves and tubers, toxic if ingested. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis, itching, and burning. Keep Caladium plants out of reach of children and pets.