How to Grow Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Caladium is a tropical tuber with show-stopping heart-shaped leaves in vivid pink, red, white, and green patterns. It grows actively from spring to autumn then goes completely dormant in winter, losing all foliage. During growth, provide warmth (above 18°C), bright indirect light, high humidity, and consistent moisture. When leaves yellow in autumn, stop watering and store the tuber warm (15-18°C) and dry until spring. Restart by repotting in fresh compost when temperatures reliably exceed 18°C. Toxic to cats and dogs.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth (spring to late summer). Stop feeding when leaves begin to yellow and die back in autumn, signalling dormancy.
Watch For
- Aphids on new unfurling leaves
- Spider mites in dry indoor air
- Tuber rot from cold wet storage during dormancy
- Fungal leaf spot from overhead watering
- Slugs and snails if placed outdoors in summer
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Bright indirect light, no direct sun
Direct sunlight bleaches the dramatic leaf colours. Provide bright filtered light for best patterns. North or east-facing windows work well.
Watering
Consistently moist during growth
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy during active growth. Water when top 2 cm feels dry. Stop entirely when foliage dies back for dormancy.
Fertilizing
Fortnightly balanced feed in growth
Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to late summer. Stop feeding when leaves yellow in autumn.
Pruning
Remove yellowing leaves only
No pruning needed. Simply remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base. Allow foliage to die back naturally in autumn for dormancy.
