How to grow and care for caladium

Caladiums are beautiful tropical plants that add colour and flair to gardens and indoor spaces, and look like they are dressed for a party.

They are known and loved for their large, heart-shaped leaves. These come in a variety of colours and patterns, from bright reds and pinks to soft greens and whites. Caladiums are originally from South America and are also known as angel wings or elephant ears. They are easy to grow and care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

How to grow caladiums

Caladiums do best in a warm, humid environment with filtered sunlight. Plant in free-draining, peat-free compost with plenty of organic matter. Water regularly.

Where to grow caladiums

These tropical plants thrive in warm, humid environments. They should be grown in a spot that receives filtered sunlight, as too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. They do best in temperatures between 21-29°C so their use as outdoor garden plants is limited in the UK, (unless they are in a sheltered location), but they make great house plants.

A bright but not sunny bathroom would be a perfect jungle setting for your caladium. Pots or containers can be moved outside in summer if desired – but give them a sheltered spot as wind can dry them out and damage their leaves.

How to plant caladiums

When planting caladium tubers in the garden, choose a spot with rich, free-draining soil with plenty of added organic matter. Plant the tubers with the top facing up and covered by about 4cm. Water thoroughly and keep the plant moist but not waterlogged. Caladiums will begin to sprout in a few weeks, and as the plant grows it will produce new leaves. These can reach up to 60cm long.

Caladiums do not require very big pots and can be grown in containers of various sizes. However, it’s important to ensure that the pot has proper drainage and is not too small, as this can cause the roots to become cramped and stunt the plant's growth.

If you are buying an established plant (rather than a tuber), make sure the plant has enough space in its nursery pot. If not, repot it into a slightly larger container full of good, peat-free compost.

How to care for caladiums

Caladiums in pots require regular watering, especially in hot, dry weather. Their compost should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause the tubers to rot, so make sure the pot has drainage holes that excess water can flow out of.

Modern homes tend to be on the dry side, so if yours is a house plant, mist the leaves regularly – this will make them feel like they are back in the jungle.

Fertilise pot-grown plants once a month with a balanced, water-soluble (preferably organic) fertiliser to promote healthy growth.

In terms of light, caladiums do best in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and dry them out, so it's important to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. They can also be grown in full shade, but this might result in the colours of the leaves being less vibrant.

Caladiums are perennials and can come back year after year if they are cared for properly. However, they’re sensitive to cold temperatures and if you’re growing them outdoors they should be dug up and stored indoors during winter .

As with other pot-grown plants, it’s good practice to repot them and refresh their compost in spring, moving to larger pots if need be.

How to prune caladiums

During the growing season, use scissors or secateurs to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems to keep your caladium looking at its best.

How to propagate caladiums

As your caladium grows, new tubers will form from the main tuber. You can grow new plants by separating these smaller pieces from the main tuber. These smaller pieces will mostly remain intact, except for the portion that was connected to the main tuber. You have the option to leave the small tubers as they are, or you can divide them into smaller portions, provided that each piece contains a growth point or 'eye'. Plant these in their own pots and watch them grow.

Pests and diseases

Potted caladiums may die for several reasons, including overwatering, underwatering, lack of proper drainage or pest infestation. To prevent these issues, make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, the pot has proper drainage, and the plant is free from pests and diseases.

Common pests include red spider mite and mealybugs. Red spider mite thrives in dry environments so mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity. Mealybugs can be picked off by hand, or large infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap.

Diseases such as fungal leaf spot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overhead watering. If you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, treat the plant immediately to prevent further damage.

A decent layer of horticultural grit or gravel on the compost surface will reduce the presence of fungus gnats around house plants.

Caladium varieties to grow

There are many different cultivars of caladiums from which to choose, each with its own unique colours and patterns. Here are some popular caladiums to consider:

Caladium ‘Spring Fling’: this cultivar features bright green leaves with pink veins and a pink centre.

• Buy Caladium 'Spring Fling' from Boom Box Club

Caladium 'Strawberry Star': this has striking white leaves with dark green veins and red spots.

• Buy Caladium 'Strawberry Star' from Boom Box Club

Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’: this cultivar has bright green leaves with dark green edges and red veins.

• Buy Caladium 'Frog in a Blender' from Boom Box Club

Caladium ‘Bottle Rocket’: produces white, heart-shaped leaves with bold raspberry-red veins and green margins.

• Buy Caladium 'Bottle Rocket' from Thompson & Morgan