Caladium
Caladium bicolor
grown for their heart-shaped leaves adorned with bright palettes of pink, red, white, and green, Caladium bicolor plants are eye-catching tropical perennials. Often called 'Angel Wings' or 'Elephant Ears', these plants grow from tubers and provide a bold splash of color to any indoor space during the warmer months. Give it bright, indirect light, higher humidity, and steady moisture in a planter with drainage holes.
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 Notes
Light
Place your caladium in a spot with bright, filtered light
Avoid direct midday sun which can easily scorch the thin, delicate leaves.
Water
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 and Temperature
These plants crave high humidity (60% or higher)
Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group with other plants to maintain moisture levels.
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.
Soil and Planter
Use Rich, well-draining potting mix high in organic matter like peat moss or coco coir. Choose a planter with drainage holes so excess water can escape.
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
Large, translucent heart-shaped leaves with snow-white centers that are clearly contrasted by a network of deep green veins and thin green margins.
Pink Symphony
Nearly translucent, heart-shaped leaves that show a bright rosy-pink hue framed by delicate green veins and a thin green margin.
Frieda Hemple
Large, heart-shaped leaves characterized by bright, solid red centers clearly framed by contrasting deep green margins.
Gingerland
Caladium 'Gingerland' features heart-shaped, creamy-white leaves bordered by deep green margins and accented with bright raspberry-red speckles.
Fannie Munson
Large, heart-shaped leaves characterized by their translucent, bright pink centers accented by deep rose veining and a thin green border.
Moonlight
Luminous, heart-shaped leaves of translucent creamy white, elegantly accented by thin green veins and a narrow dark green border.