Caladium

Special Caladium houseplants

The Caladium is a beautiful tropical houseplant, native to the Amazon region. This plant grows mainly along riverbanks and can reach a height of 40 to 90 centimetres. The true ornamental value of the Caladium lies in its striking leaves, which can grow up to 45 centimetres. The heart-shaped leaves are painted in a spectacular palette of green, pink, white and red. Although the Caladium is a strong houseplant, it does require proper care.

Watering the Caladium

The Caladium likes a moist soil, but it is important to avoid overwatering. Give the plant a little water two to three times a week. In the growing period, in spring and summer, the Caladium consumes more water, so adjust the amount and frequency. Pay close attention to the potting soil: if it is dry after 3 days, give a little more water; if the soil remains moist after 5 days, give less next time.
In autumn, the Caladium may go into hibernation. This is indicated by brown leaves. Then water it less until it no longer needs water. During the winter, keep the plant in a place where the temperature does not drop below 12 degrees Celsius. In spring, the Caladium reawakens with new, colourful leaves.

Watering the Caladium

Due to its tropical origins, the Caladium prefers a humid environment. Water the plant regularly, but avoid direct contact with the leaves, to preserve its ornamental value.

The best location for the Caladium

The Caladium prefers a warm, moist spot with indirect sunlight. Place the plant near a north-facing window or in a shady spot. Make sure it is not near a heater, as dry air is bad for this plant. A draught-free spot with a temperature of at least 21 degrees Celsius is ideal.
During hot days, you can put the Caladium outside, but make sure it stays in the shade, as direct sunlight can damage the thin leaves.

Help! My Caladium's leaves are discoloured

Are the leaves of your Caladium discoloured? This can have several causes. Dry spots indicate too much direct sunlight, while loss of colour intensity is often due to a location that is too dark. Brown leaves can indicate too much or too little water. Check the potting soil to determine what is wrong, and adjust your watering or the plant's location.

Propagating the Caladium

The Caladium can easily be propagated by cuttings. Cut off a new shoot and put it in water or moist potting soil at a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. As soon as roots develop, you can transfer the cutting into potting soil.

Is the Caladium a poisonous houseplant?

The Caladium is a poisonous plant. Although touching the leaves usually does not cause any problems, it is important to avoid consuming them. Keep the plant out of reach of small children and pets.

The flowering of the Caladium

Although the Arum family is known for its unusual flowering, the flowering of the Caladium itself is not very striking. The flower costs the plant a lot of energy and contributes little to its ornamental value, so it is advisable to cut off the flower as soon as it appears.

Common diseases in the Caladium

Although the Caladium does not often suffer from pests, lice or spider mites can sometimes occur. Check the leaves regularly and control any pests with a hard water spray or a suitable pesticide.

Repotting the Caladium

Repot the Caladium once a year, preferably in spring. Use a pot at least 20% larger than the previous one and fill it with universal potting soil. This gives the roots room to grow and helps prevent root rot.

Buy a Caladium at Green Bubble

Looking for a beautiful and healthy Caladium? At Green Bubble you've come to the right place! We work directly with growers, so we always deliver fresh and high-quality plants. Order easily in our web shop and we'll deliver your Caladium to your home for free. Would you like to have a beautiful Caladium in your home? Join the Green Bubble!