Caladiums are perennials, but their ability to return annually depends entirely on the climate where they are grown. Known for their striking, heart-shaped foliage, often called “Angel Wings,” these plants bring a vibrant, tropical splash of color to shaded garden spaces. Their leaves feature stunning combinations of white, pink, red, and green patterns. Caladiums are native to the warm, humid forest understories of Central and South America. Consequently, they are classified as true perennials only in frost-free regions, specifically USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 or 12.
The Caladium’s Biological Identity
The Caladium is botanically classified as a tuberous herbaceous perennial plant. The term perennial means the plant’s underground storage organ is capable of living for more than two years. Caladiums grow from a specialized, swollen underground stem known as a tuber, which is the actual perennial part of the plant. This tuber stores energy to fuel the next season’s growth.
The lush, colorful foliage that appears above ground is deciduous, meaning the leaves naturally die back when conditions are no longer favorable. In temperate climates, this dieback is triggered by cooling temperatures in the fall. The plant’s inability to survive freezing temperatures means that in most regions, the Caladium is treated as a seasonal annual. Gardeners in cooler zones must manage the perennial tuber separately to ensure the plant returns.
Seasonal Care During Active Growth
Caladiums begin their active growth phase when the soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F and night air temperatures remain above 60°F. The plants thrive in conditions that mimic their tropical origin, requiring a warm environment for optimal leaf production. They prefer a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as morning sun or dappled shade throughout the day. Direct, intense afternoon sunlight can scorch the delicate foliage, leading to faded colors and brown edges.
The growing medium should be rich in organic matter, slightly acidic, and highly well-draining to prevent the tubers from rotting. Caladiums require consistently moist soil during the summer months, but they should never be left sitting in standing water. These plants benefit from high relative humidity, ideally between 50% and 80%. Regular applications of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer throughout the active growing period will help maintain the plant’s vibrant color display.
Preparing Tubers for Overwintering
When temperatures begin to consistently drop below 60°F in the fall, the Caladium plant will naturally enter its dormancy cycle. The leaves will start to yellow and droop, signaling that the tuber is preparing for its winter rest. This is the time for gardeners outside of the frost-free zones to intervene if they wish to keep the plant alive for the following year.
The leaves should be allowed to die back naturally, which permits the plant to draw nutrients from the foliage back into the tuber for storage. Before the first hard frost, the tubers must be carefully lifted from the ground, taking care not to damage the delicate underground structures. After digging, the majority of the soil should be gently brushed off, and the tubers should be left in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location for one to two weeks to cure. This curing process allows the skin to dry and harden, which minimizes the risk of rot during storage.
Once cured, the remaining dried foliage and roots can be trimmed. The tubers should be stored in a medium that provides ventilation and absorbs moisture, such as dry peat moss, vermiculite, or shredded paper. The storage container should be placed in a dark, cool, yet consistently warm location where the temperature remains above 55°F, with 60°F being an ideal minimum. Stored tubers must be checked monthly for any signs of shriveling or rot and should not receive any moisture until they are ready to be replanted in the spring.