Gardening Tips on the Care of Caladiums
A fun plant that is easy to grow and care for is caladiums, these drought-tolerant plants belong to the family Araceae with 1000 new cultivars. Caladiums also go by the common names angles wings, elephant ears, etc… caladiums are one of gardeners’ choices and will Enhance your garden and interior plantscape living space.
These garden plants produce beautiful heart-shaped multi-color leaves that are so amazing. I have worked on many interior plantscape projects with caladiums and have seen the amazing change they bring to any outdoor and indoor living space. What I love about caladiums are the different patterned designs that are found on the leaves which is truly a work of art.
These tropical plants are native to South Africa and can be found growing on the banks of the Amazon river but also believed to hail from Central and South America. Caladiums, however, cannot tolerate the cold and are tuberous plants meaning spring to autumn is the only time for them to show their beauty but despite that, they are still worth the investment, these garden beauties are a show stopper bringing that color pop to your spring garden. To spruce up, your spring continue reading to learn more about caladium plant care.
Planting Location
Caladiums should be installed in an area that gets full sunlight to partial shade. A spacing of 4-6 inches is adequate.
Soil Type
The soil type should be soil that is acidic, holds the right amount of water but drains well.
Watering Methods
The soil should be kept, moist and not waterlogged because overwatering will encourage root rot.
Fertilizing Methods
It is important during the growing season to feed your caladiums with a slow or quick-release fertilizer.
Garden pests of caladiums
Be on the lookout because if you are growing these garden beauties outdoors you may come across them.
- Thrips
- Mealybugs
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Nematodes
- Spider Mites
Thrips, Mealybugs, Whiteflies, Spider Mites, and Aphids
These garden insect pests cause damage by sucking the plant’s fluids or sap which can lead to yellowing and browning of the leaves. To control thrips the use of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap will eliminate them or bring them under control.
Nematodes
The root-knot nematode lives in the soil and feeds on the caladium tubers, these microscopic roundworms can do much damage. Vary the planting location or growing caladiums in containers is a great way to discourage nematodes.
Wildlife
It is so good to have wildlife in our garden areas such as birds, bees, and butterflies but then there are some that will cause destruction by making a meal out of our garden plants in this group of wildlife are.
- Voles
- Deers
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Chipmunks
These garden pests feed on the young shoots and the tubers, it is best to use a fence or a motion sensor sprinkler system to keep them away or check with your plant nursery or garden center to see what is your best option.
Diseases of caladiums
Caladiums have their share of disease which can do a number on your plants, keep a watch for.
- Fusarium Wilt
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is encouraged by long hot periods, signs include drooping of the lower leaves and also the leaves turning yellow. The fungus which is responsible for this disease lives in the soil enters the plant through its roots. Infected plants should be uprooted and properly disposed of also consider crop rotation.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial leaf spot is encouraged by the cool temperature, signs appear as small translucent spots, the edges turn yellow, and over time enlargens becoming irregular. The center also takes on a reddish appearance. To prevent this disease avoid overhead irrigation and rotating plants. Plants that show these symptoms should be immediately removed and properly disposed of.
Ideas on where to install them
Here are just a few places to install caladiums.
1. Caladiums can be installed in masses around the trunks of trees.
2. Grouping them in masses is a great way to make them a show stopper.
3. Use them as undergrowth in container gardening.
4. Install them around a pond.
5. Place them in a plant bed by your pool.
6. Use them in a hanging basket.
7. What about planting them in one big mass in a rock garden?
Growing caladiums in containers
Container gardening is a great way to go when growing caladiums, growing caladiums in containers was one of my specialties. When growing caladiums from a container you want to choose a container that will accommodate your caladium. The container should have drain holes to allow water to drain off after giving your plant a good drink. The soil should be a good garden soil that will hold the right amount of moisture but will allow excess water to drain.
The container should be placed in an area that gets full to partial sunlight, fertilize as stated earlier, and ensure that the soil is moist and not waterlogged which can lead to rot root. Keep an eye out for garden insect pests such as aphids, spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies and treat as stated in the above section on garden insect pests.
Growing caladiums in baskets
When growing caladiums from hanging baskets you will follow the same methods as when growing caladiums from a container. Ensure that the hanging basket is placed in an area that gets full to partial sunlight.
Growing caladiums indoors
When growing caladiums indoors either from a container or hanging basket place in an area that gets indirect bright light. Keep a check on the soil to ensure that there is always moisture and as stated earlier do not overwater which can lead to root rot. 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a great temperature for your caladium to survive, the humidity level should also be kept high which is an added benefit. Fertilizer according to the above mentioned which can be found in the section on fertilizing methods.
Pruning your caladiums
The leaves of caladiums can become straggly and overgrown, when this happens remove those leaves from the soil level o the plant’s base also leaves which are dead, turning brown, or damaged should be removed from the soil level as well.
The final word
What are your thoughts? I believe I know what you are thinking and that is so great. Installing these garden beauties in your garden area or interior plant scape will work wonders bringing that transformation and much-needed flavor. Brighten up your day with caladiums and reap the benefit of a garden plant that has proven to get the job done. Caladiums have made a name for themselves so install some you will be happy with the results.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Thank you for this great article. I do have a question, though. My yard is funny, and I don’t really get full sun over most of it because I have so many trees. You stated in the instructions that Caladiums should be installed in an area that gets full sunlight to partial shade. I can do some sunlight with mostly shade. Do you think I would have any success with that? The Caladiums are so gorgeous, I don’t want to leave them out, but I also don’t want the heartbreak of them dying on me.
Hello, Babsie so good to see you. These are really great plants, yes give it a try and see what happens it just might work in your favor. Just remember to follow the other requirements and you will be fine.
Hi Norman, I have to say that I am so happy to have found your website. This article on Caladium plant care is thorough and fascinating. You are right, the gorgeous leaves of this plant are nothing short of a work of art. I believe I’ve seen them before but didn’t know the name of this garden beauty.
Since they are native to South Africa and South America are they difficult to find in the U.S., or will most any plant nursery carry them? I think I would like to try growing one indoors first, just to get the experience since they seem a bit fragile and I’ve had bad luck with outdoor garden pests in the past. Thank you for filling us in on the common pests of Caladiums and more importantly, telling us what to use to control them.
I also can’t wait to check out your “Creating A Butterfly Garden” article. My mother had a magical flower garden when we were growing up and it was always full of beautiful butterflies. Everyone always said she had a ‘green thumb’ (no, not really!)
Thanks for this great post and giving us the information we need to grow this lovely plant for ourselves.
Sue
Hello, Sue, I am so happy to help, these plants are truly amazing and do work wonders you should be able to find these plants locally I know that they can be found on Amazon. Thanks so much for sharing and for your kind words. All the best to you and have a good day.
Thanks so much for sharing a great article to learn more about Caladium Plant Care, I still remember this plant from my childhood in Mexico, I used to see it everywhere, and everyone used to say it was an easy care plant, that is why everyone had it, but as a new gardener, I didn’t know how to take care of it, but after reading your article, I guess I’m ready to get one!
These plants are amazing and will do wonders both for your outdoor and living space. Wishing you much garden success. All the best to you.
These look like great plants to have around. I’ve never been much of one for keeping plants alive (great with animals though!) but I’ve been wanting to start a garden this year, and maybe get a few house plants.
Are these pretty easy to care for?
Also: Do they grow year-round indoors? Or do they have a lifespan similar to flowers?
Caladiums are easy to grow as laid out in the post, just follow the directions, indoors caladiums can last 6 months or even a little longer. Hope this helps.
Hi Norman. Thank you for another great article. I was dreaming about my own garden whole life, and now when I have it I can’t imagine better place to relax. I haven’t thought about planting caladium before, but looking on your pictures and post it looks great and its easy to grow for beginners. Looking forward to check it in practice !
Hello, so happy to meet you and I am so glad to help, thanks for those kind words. Caladiums are pretty amazing with their multi-color leaves will bring that much-needed flavor. Spending time in the great outdoors in a garden setting is truly amazing as you connect with nature. Wishing you much success with your garden project.