Caladium Care Instructions

Scientific Name: Caladium Sp.
Synonyms: Angel Wings, Elephant Ears

Caladiums are the ultimate choice for plant enthusiasts who adore bold, colourful foliage. Their heart-shaped leaves, adorned with striking patterns, bring instant charm to any space. While the classic white varieties often steal the spotlight, unique cultivars like ‘Confetti,’ with its playful red speckles, add a touch of personality to your indoor jungle.

Native to Brazil’s lush tropics, Caladiums thrive in high humidity, warmth, and bright filtered light. These tropical conditions are essential during their active growing months, helping the plant build up energy to power through its natural dormancy cycle. Caladiums are deciduous, growing from corms that shed their leaves in winter. This resting period is crucial for replenishing energy reserves, ensuring a spectacular revival each spring with larger, more vibrant leaves.

Caring for a dormant Caladium is simple. Allow the soil to dry partially but not completely, watering sparingly—around every three weeks or when the soil is fully dry. Keep the corm in a cool, dry spot, undisturbed, until warmer weather arrives.

In Spring, once the leaves start to emerge, up your watering by keeping the soil evenly moist, and avoiding drying out. Make sure that your Caladium is also receiving good bright filtered light for large, lush foliage. Feeding every 2 weeks during their growing season to help substitute energy needs.

Styling your Caladium is just as fun as growing it! Pair it with a striking planter to complement its vivid foliage, and let it take centre stage as a tabletop beauty. For added impact, group it with other foliage plants in contrasting textures and greens.

Perfect for intermediate plant lovers, Caladiums may require attention during dormancy, but their dazzling display in spring makes the effort worth it. Whether you love their elegant whites or whimsical speckles, these tropical beauties add a magical touch to any space.

Please note: Caladiums are toxic if eaten—so definitely don’t snack on them! Besides, chewing on those stunning leaves isn’t exactly a great way to keep your plant Instagram-ready. Trust us, your stomach and your Caladium will thank you.

Caladium Common Symptoms

• Yellowing Leaves: This is a sign that your Caladium is getting too much water Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Avoid soggy soil by using a well-draining mix. If it’s during dormancy, yellowing leaves is normal—your Caladium is just preparing for its rest.
• Drooping Foliage and floppy growth: Droopy leaves on a Caladium often signal underwatering, low humidity, or insufficient light. Start by checking the soil—if it feels dry, give your plant a thorough drink. To increase humidity, try misting the leaves or using a pebble tray. Keep your Caladium away from drying air conditioners or drafts, which can exacerbate the issue. If drooping is paired with small leaves and long, stretched stems struggling to stand upright, insufficient light may be the problem. Relocate your plant to a brighter spot with plenty of indirect sunlight to help it regain its strength and upright posture.
• Brown Leaf Edges:This signals low humidity or excessive sunlight. Move your Caladium to a spot with bright, indirect light and increase humidity. You can group it with other plants or use a humidifier to create a tropical microclimate, which your Caladium will appreciate.
• Pale or Faded Leaves: If your Caladium does not have bright, striking foliage, then insufficient light is often the culprit. Relocate your Caladium to a brighter location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, but make sure it’s not stuck in a dark corner either.
• Spots or Blotches on Leaves: Fungal infections from overwatering or poor airflow may cause black or brown patches. Remove affected leaves and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Improve airflow around the plant and avoid splashing water on the leaves. Treat major problems with a fungicide such as Copper Soap.
• No New Growth in Spring: If your Caladium isn’t sprouting after dormancy, its corm may be exhausted or improperly cared for during winter. Check for firm, healthy corms, repot with fresh soil, and place in warm, bright conditions. Patience is key—growth may take time.
• Pests: Well cared for Caladiums are resistant to pest issues, though already stressed plants will be highly susceptible to pest infestations leading to excessive yellowing fronds and leaf damage. Mealybug, scale, and spider mites are common indoor plant pests and will weaken your plant relatively quickly if left untreated. Adjust environmental stressors for your houseplant and treat infestations with an organic pesticide. Click here for more on identifying and treating common houseplant pests.

Caladium Care Instructions

• Origin: Tropical regions of Central and South America, especially Brazil.
• Size: Grows up to 60 cm tall and wide, depending on the variety.
• Light: Bright, filtered light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season; think slightly damp facecloth. Reduce watering during dormancy, allowing the soil to dry out slightly.
• Humidity: High humidity (60% or more) is ideal; use a pebble tray, misting, or a humidifier to maintain levels. Other alternatives are to group plants or place them in high-humidity areas in the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 18°C–26°C; avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C.
• Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich soil; a mix of palm peat, perlite, and potting soil works well, as it drains quickly but holds onto sufficient moisture.
• Fertilise: Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilising during dormancy.
• Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health.
• Repotting: Repot your Caladium every 1–2 years in spring, just before new growth begins. Use fresh, well-draining soil to provide the nutrients needed for a strong growing season. Choose a pot that is no more than 5 cm larger in diameter than the current one to prevent excess soil from retaining too much moisture. Ensure the planter has sufficient drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. This routine will keep your Caladium healthy and ready to dazzle with its vibrant, colourful foliage.
• Propagation: Propagate by dividing corms during dormancy. Ensure each corm division has at least one healthy growth node.