The genus Caladium includes seven species that are native to South America and Central America, and naturalized in India, parts of Africa, and various tropical islands. Caladiums are known for their big, heart-shaped leaves that display amazing color combinations of white, pink, red and green.
Caladiums can be grown in containers or clumped together within beds and border. There are numerous varieties of caladiums found in either the fancy-leaved or the strap-leaved cultivar. Often varieties that bloom for a short portion of the season.
Blooming on caladium plants is not common, but tubers planted in favorable locations tend to produce small flower.
Common Name
Elephant ear, Heart of Jesus, Angel Wings
Height
Up to 80 cm
Flower Color
Pale yellow (the flower-like bud on a caladium is a spathe)
Bloom Time
The flowers are inconspicuous and when grown as annuals, they may not have time to flower at all.
Difficulty Level
Easy to grow
Caladium Care
Caladiums grow from tubers and can be propagated by dividing the tubers
These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are generally happier in partial shade
As foliage begins to die down in the fall, reduce water, dig up and air dry bulbs for a week
