Caring for your Caladiums
Caladiums are beautiful tropical perennials that feature lush colorful foliage. Sometimes referred to as angel wings or elephant ears, their arrow-shaped leaves come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, making them a welcome addition to even the most diverse plant collection. Caladiums do have a few quirks that can make them slightly trickier to look after, but if you can get them in the right environment these showy houseplants are bound to make a statement!A Perennial Houseplant?
One of the most unusual things about caladiums is that they won't stick around all year. As tuberous plants caladiums will only grow foliage from Spring to Autumn, the foliage then dies back in Winter. The most important thing to remember is that they are supposed to do this! When your caladium goes dormant you can dig up the tuber, allow it to dry out, and then store it in peat, inside a breathable bag. Tubers can then be replanted in Spring.Light
Caladiums will thrive best in rooms with medium light levels. Try to keep them out of direct sunlight, particularly the midday sun as it may burn. Ideally, we would recommend a room with a northern or eastern-facing window.Water
While your caladium is growing (Spring through to early Autumn), it is important to keep the soil evenly moist. We recommend watering when the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry to the touch. Stop watering once you see the leaves begin to die back.Humidity
As with all houseplants, the key to successfully growing caladiums is to replicate their native environment as much as possible. In this case, the warmer and more humid the better! Try to keep your caladium in an area above 18 degrees and away from any cold breeze or windows. If the humidity in your house is low try placing the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water and misting the caladium occasionally.Extra Tips
- Keep your caladium clean by wiping them with a damp cloth when needed.
- Caladiums are poisonous to children and pets, take care when planting or pruning.
- Liquid fertilizer can be used weekly during the growing season.
- We recommend using well-draining soil when replanting your caladium.
This ‘How To’ Guide has been produced to provide basic information and our experienced staff are available to answer any questions that you may have. Because this guide is of a general nature, neither Palmers nor its staff are responsible for the application of the information, as the contents may need to be modified for individual projects and site applications.
