Caladium
Caladium belongs to the Arum family (Araceae). Its homeland is Brazil, where it grows along the banks of the Amazon River. In the natural conditions of humid tropical forests, caladiums can reach a height of 5 meters. It is a large herbaceous tuberous plant with large arrow-shaped leaves, which is why it is sometimes called "elephant ears."
The value of caladium as an ornamental plant lies in its extraordinarily beautiful leaves. Unique patterns consist of spots, multicolored veins, transitions from one color to another, and multicolored borders. The color combinations on caladium leaves are often white, silver, pink, raspberry, purple, and various shades of green. The leaf shape can be arrow-shaped, heart-shaped, or triangular.
Caladium flowers, like those of other aroids, are inconspicuous, gathered in spike-like inflorescences surrounded by greenish-white covers. Modern indoor caladiums are hybrids obtained by crossing several species. Each hybrid has its own pattern and a unique combination of leaf colors.
Caladium is not particularly popular among indoor gardening enthusiasts due to its long dormant period. Caladium is a tuberous plant with two distinct periods - active growth and deep dormancy. From the beginning of autumn, the plant sheds its colorful leaves and remains dormant until the end of February.
However, the extended dormant period should not be considered a drawback; on the contrary, in certain conditions, it is a significant advantage. Caladium is a valuable find for residents of small apartments with balconies, lodges, or spacious verandas. In winter, it's challenging to accommodate large plants in the house. With the arrival of spring warmth, the area of such a dwelling expands significantly. Caladiums that have wintered somewhere in the pantry along with tuberous begonias will start growing again and soon fill the space with their magnificent leaves.
The sap of all parts of the plant is poisonous and can cause allergies. It is not recommended to place caladium in rooms where small children are present.
How to Grow and Care for Caladium
Like all plants from tropical forests, caladiums love warmth and moisture, dislike cold drafts, and direct sunlight.
Light: Caladiums thrive in eastern and western windows with a need for bright, diffused light. The brilliance of leaf color fades with insufficient light.
Temperature:This South American native wants warm temps -- 75-80°F/24-27°C is ideal.
Air Humidity: Prefers high air humidity. It is necessary to regularly clean the leaves from dust.
Water: Caladium belongs to marsh plants and requires frequent, even watering. The soil should be coarse and well-draining to let excess water drain away. If the soil becomes acidic, the plant will lose roots and leaves.
In early autumn, as the plant prepares for dormancy, watering gradually decreases and then stops altogether. Dry leaves are removed. In winter, caladium tubers can be stored in the same soil in a pot but without watering. Cut off withered leaves and store pots at a temperature of 65–70°F/18–21°C in a dark place. In February, they are taken out of storage, cleaned of old roots, planted in fresh substrate, watered sparingly, and then gradually increase watering with the appearance of leaves. Tubers can be stored in coconut fiber or dry peat.
Fertilization: During the active growth period, caladium is fed with liquid mineral fertilizer 2-3 times a month.
Repoting: When a bud begins to grow at the end of winter, the plant is transplanted into a new pot. In the lower part of the tubers, there are usually smooth areas without shoots. If the tuber is planted "upside down," it will delay the appearance of leaves, but it will not harm the plants. A good drainage system in the pot is mandatory. If you plant the tuber deep, the plant will form large tubers and leaves, and with shallow planting, additional shoots will appear, but the leaves will be smaller.
Soil: The soil for caladium should be light and loose, allowing good water drainage. The mixture consists of leaf soil, top peat or coconut fiber, and perlite (2:1:0.5).
Dormancy Period: A deep dormant period for caladium is mandatory. In early autumn, watering gradually decreases, and then it stops completely. Dried leaves are removed. In winter, caladium tubers can be stored in the same soil in a pot but without watering. Cut off withered leaves and store pots at a temperature of 65–70°F/18–21°C in a dark place. In February, they are taken out of storage, cleaned of old roots, planted in fresh substrate, watered sparingly, and then gradually increase watering with the appearance of leaves. Tubers can be stored in coconut fiber or dry peat.
Propagation: It is best to propagate caladiums with small daughter tubers. You can divide the tuber, but there is a risk of rot. The tuber is cut, sprinkled with charcoal, dried, and then planted. Sometimes it is advised to remove the main growth point from a large tuber in February. Within a couple of weeks, new shoots should appear, and the tuber can be planted. By autumn, the tuber will divide into several parts.
Diseases and Pests: It usually does not suffer from pests but is often affected by various rots. Regularly inspect the plant to notice rot in time.