Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Celebrated for their heart-shaped leaves adorned with vibrant palettes of pink, red, white, and green, Caladium bicolor plants are stunning tropical perennials. Often called 'Angel Wings' or 'Elephant Ears', these plants grow from tubers and provide a dramatic splash of color to any indoor space during the warmer months. Their paper-thin leaves and intricate veining make them a favorite for enthusiasts looking for high-impact foliage.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
High
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause intense oral irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, drooling, and vomiting in cats, dogs, and humans.
Care Guide
Light: Place in a spot with bright, filtered light.
Avoid direct midday sun which can easily scorch the thin, delicate leaves.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
If the top half-inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water. Reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy in the fall.
Humidity: These plants crave high humidity (60% or higher).
Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group with other plants to maintain moisture levels.
Temperature: Caladiums love warmth; keep them in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.
They will begin to struggle if temperatures drop below 60°F.
Dormancy Care: In late autumn, leaves will naturally yellow and die back.
This is a normal part of their life cycle. Stop watering and let the tubers rest in their pot or in dry peat moss in a cool, dark place (55-60°F). Resume watering and move to light in early spring when new growth emerges.
Common Issues: Drooping leaves often indicate underwatering or low humidity.
Watch for spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix high in organic matter like peat moss or coco coir.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
12 to 30 inches tall and wide
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Division of tubers during the dormant period or just before repotting in the spring.
Common Varieties
White Christmas
The 'White Christmas' Caladium features large, translucent heart-shaped leaves with snow-white centers that are dramatically contrasted by a network of deep green veins and thin green margins.
Pink Symphony
Pink Symphony' is characterized by its nearly translucent, heart-shaped leaves that showcase a vibrant rosy-pink hue framed by delicate green veins and a thin green margin.
Frieda Hemple
The 'Frieda Hemple' caladium features large, heart-shaped leaves characterized by vibrant, solid red centers dramatically framed by contrasting deep green margins.
Gingerland
Caladium 'Gingerland' features heart-shaped, creamy-white leaves bordered by deep green margins and accented with vibrant raspberry-red speckles.
Fannie Munson
The 'Fannie Munson' caladium features large, heart-shaped leaves characterized by their translucent, vibrant pink centers accented by deep rose veining and a thin green border.
Moonlight
The ‘Moonlight’ Caladium is distinguished by its luminous, heart-shaped leaves of translucent creamy white, elegantly accented by thin green veins and a narrow dark green border.