Caladium care guide

Caladiums grow paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves in pink, red, white, and green, often all on one leaf. They grow from a tuber, like a small potato. They love heat and humidity, and they rest in fall and winter. Think of a caladium as a showy spring and summer plant that sleeps for the cold months.

Light

Give caladiums bright, indirect light, such as a spot near an east window. Most fancy-leaf types scorch in direct sun. Strap-leaf types handle more sun.

In low light, the stems flop and the colors fade.

Water

Keep the soil a little moist while it grows. Water when the top 2 cm (1 in) is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer.

Drooping leaves mean it is thirsty. Soggy soil rots the tuber. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Plant tubers 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) deep, knobby side up, in spring.

A pot just big enough for the tuber and its roots works best. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Caladiums need warmth and humid air. Keep them between 21 and 29°C (70 and 85°F). Cold below 16°C (60°F) damages the leaves and pushes it into dormancy.

Dry air crisps the thin leaves. A humidifier, a bright bathroom, or a summer outside in a shady, sheltered spot helps.

Feeding

Feed every two to four weeks while it grows with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Stop when the leaves start to fade in fall.

Pruning

Pinch off the small flowers, which look like tiny peace lilies. They take energy from the leaves. Cut yellow or damaged leaves off at the base.

Winter rest

In fall, as days shorten and nights cool, the leaves droop and fade. This is normal.

1. Water less as the leaves die back.
2. Once they are gone, let the soil dry.
3. Store the tubers in their pot, or dig them up, dust off the soil, and keep them in dry peat or paper.
4. Keep them somewhere dark and warm, above 16°C (60°F). A cold garage or basement can kill them.
5. In spring, replant and water once. Leaves come back in a few weeks once the soil warms.

In a cold climate, caladiums grown outside in summer need to come in before nights drop below 16°C (60°F).

Propagation

In spring, before planting, cut large tubers into pieces with a clean knife. Give each piece at least one bud, or eye. Let the cuts dry for a day, then plant.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Leaves fade and die in fall	Normal winter rest
Crispy, brown leaf edges	Dry air or dry soil
Drooping leaves, dry soil	Thirsty
Soft, rotten tuber	Too much water, or stored too cold
Pale, scorched patches	Too much direct sun
Floppy stems, dull colors	Not enough light

Pests

Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can show up. Fungus gnats mean the soil stays wet too long. Read how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes mouth pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting. Keep it out of reach, and keep stored tubers away from pets.

Varieties

• ‘Florida Moonlight’ has white leaves with green veins.
• ‘Red Flash’ has deep red centers and green edges with pink spots.
• ‘Pink Beauty’ has pink leaves with green veins.
• ‘White Christmas’ has white leaves with dark green veins.
• Strap-leaf caladiums have narrow, lance-shaped leaves and handle more sun.