How to Grow Caladium Plants

How to Grow Caladium Plants

Some know caladiums as houseplants; others as colorful, leafy plants brightening shady yards. However you know them, they're popular indoors and out.

Easy to grow, caladiums are tropical plants native to Brazil's Amazon River area. They love warm, shady, humid environments. Grown for their colorful leaves—combinations of green with white, pink, or red—they reach 12–30 inches in one season. Perfect in pots, making them popular houseplants and deck plants.

Did You Know? Lake Placid, Florida claims to be the caladium capital of the world, with nurseries growing thousands of acres.

Poisonous Plant: All parts are toxic. See Poisonous Flowers.

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Plant Propagation

Though called "bulbs," caladiums grow from tuberous roots. In fall, dig up roots, clean, and separate. Ensure each division has buds. Store in dry soil or sphagnum moss in a dry, dark location at least 40°F until spring.

Largest tubers produce largest plants. Many prefer new roots annually, as home-grown roots tend to be smaller. Commercial growers produce the biggest roots for best plants.

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How to Grow Caladium

Give caladiums a head start: start roots indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Use individual containers—4–6 inch peat pots work well for minimal transplant shock.

Plant roots round side up, 1½–2 inches deep in rich starter soil, peat moss, or vermiculite. Roots should have a few buds. Water well initially, then keep soil moist. Warm soil is needed for sprouting.

For indoor houseplants, plant directly into the final container.

Plants are susceptible to drafts and sudden temperature drops.

Tip: Remove the largest central bud to promote more leaves.

Wait until all frost danger passes and soil warms before transplanting outdoors. Choose a shady location—no direct sun. Caladium likes rich, moist but well-draining soil. Amend poor soil with compost and manure.

Caladium grows with little care. Fertilize outdoors monthly with general-purpose fertilizer. Indoors, use liquid fertilizer every couple weeks. Remove dead or damaged leaves during growth.

In fall, dig up roots for storage. Roots survive outdoors only in the warmest areas.

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Insects and Disease

Few problems. Use insecticide or fungicide only if issues occur.

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