Caladium, often called the ‘Callum plant,’ is a captivating foliage plant celebrated for its striking, colorful leaves. Its vibrant hues and intricate patterns make it a popular choice for adding visual interest indoors and outdoors. The plant’s appeal lies in its decorative foliage, offering continuous color during its growing season.
Understanding Caladiums
Caladiums are tropical perennials from Central and South America. These plants have distinctive heart-shaped or lance-shaped leaves. They come in an impressive array of colors, including white, pink, red, and green, often with intricate mottling, stripes, or veins. Caladiums grow from underground tubers, which store nutrients.
Caladium Plant Care
Proper care ensures robust growth and vivid foliage coloration for Caladiums. These tropical plants have specific environmental needs.
Light
Caladiums thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat beneath a tree canopy. Direct sunlight, especially intense afternoon sun, can scorch their delicate leaves. For indoor plants, an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window provides suitable conditions. Outdoors, partial to full shade is ideal.
Watering
These plants require consistently moist soil during their active growing season but should never be waterlogged, as this can lead to tuber rot. Water when the top 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of soil feel dry. Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent standing water. As the plant prepares for dormancy, typically in the fall, gradually reduce watering.
Soil and Potting
Caladiums prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic soil pH is ideal. A high-quality potting mix with compost works well for containers. For garden beds, amending heavy clay soils with organic matter can improve drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Caladiums flourish in warm temperatures and high humidity. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 60°F (15°C). Cooler temperatures can cause leaves to yellow or trigger early dormancy. To maintain humidity indoors, use a pebble tray, group plants, or employ a humidifier.
Fertilizing
Caladiums benefit from regular fertilization during their growing season. For potted plants, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every two to four weeks is recommended. Slow-release fertilizers can also be incorporated at planting time. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn or greener leaves, diminishing vibrant color patterns.
Planting and Growing Caladiums
Establishing Caladiums begins with understanding the correct planting approach for their tubers. Proper technique ensures a healthy start.
Caladium tubers should be planted when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C), typically after the last frost in spring. Planting in cooler soil can lead to slow growth or tuber rot. If starting indoors, tubers can be pre-sprouted four to six weeks before outdoor planting by placing them in shallow pots with moist potting mix in a warm, bright location. Plant tubers with the “eyes” or growth points facing upward, about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Space larger tubers 8 to 12 inches apart in garden beds; smaller ones can be grouped more closely. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil, ensuring it remains consistently moist but not saturated until sprouts emerge.
Dormancy and Winter Care
Caladiums naturally enter a dormant phase as temperatures drop and daylight shortens. This period of rest is important for their regeneration and continued health.
As fall approaches and temperatures cool, foliage will begin to yellow and die back, signaling dormancy. Gradually reduce watering and cease fertilization. Once leaves have completely withered, tubers can be carefully dug up in regions where temperatures fall below 60°F (15°C).
After digging, allow tubers to air dry for about a week in a protected, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dry, gently remove any remaining soil and foliage. Store tubers in a dry, dark place where temperatures remain consistently above 50°F (10°C). Packing them loosely in peat moss or vermiculite helps prevent rot and maintains appropriate humidity during storage.
Common Issues and Solutions
Recognizing common issues early allows for timely intervention, helping to maintain the plant’s health. Prompt action can prevent minor problems from escalating.
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, which leads to root rot, or underwatering, causing stress. Check soil moisture and adjust watering frequency to ensure consistent but not soggy conditions. Brown leaf edges or scorched spots typically result from too much direct sunlight or insufficient humidity. Relocating the plant to a shadier spot or increasing humidity can resolve this. Pests like spider mites and aphids can affect Caladiums, often causing distorted or discolored foliage. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap can manage these infestations.