Caladiums

Overview of Caladiums

Caladium is often grown as a summer annual for the colorful foliage.

Caladiums are tender, tropical perennials with colorful, heart-shaped leaves native to forests in South and Central America that have pronounced wet and dry seasons. Caladium bicolor, a Brazilian species, is the most common of several species in this genus in the arum family (Araceae) that are used as ornamentals. There are thousands of named cultivars of this species (sometime are listed as C. x hortulanum), and some other species and hybrids are sometimes available. Although they are only hardy to zone 9a or 10b, they are easily grown as summer “bulbs” or as houseplants.

Caladiums are easily grown in containers.

Other common names include angels wings and elephant ears (but don’t confuse them with other plants, such as Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma, that also go by the common name elephant ears).

Leaves have long petioles arising directly from the bulb

Caladiums are sometimes considered “old-fashioned” plants, having been in cultivation in Europe since the late 1700s, used for its dramatic foliage. The leaves generally have prominently colored midribs, contrasting margins, and patterns including mottled, veined and striped, in various combinations and shades of green, white, pink, rose and/or red. There are no stems; the leaves are borne on long petioles which arise directly from the underground tuber.

There are many cultivars of caladium available.

The two main types of caladiums are the fancy-leaved types, which have large, heart-shaped or semi-heart-shaped leaves on long petioles (12 to 30 inches tall), and the strap-leaved or lance-leaved types, with their shorter and narrower, ruffle-edged leaves on short petioles and a more compact habit (usually less than 12 inches tall). The lance-leaved types usually have more leaves per corm than fancy-leaved types.

A caladium inflorescence emerging (L), flowering (C) and declining (R).

Although are grown as foliage plants, caladiums will sometimes bloom, producing a single (rarely 2 to 3) typical arum-type flower with a green or pinkish spathe surrounding a short white spadix. Fruits are white berries with several to many seeds. Most people remove the inflorescence since it takes away energy from the plant that otherwise would be used to produce more leaves and a bigger tuber.

Landscape Use of Caladiums

Use caladiums to add color and texture in shade gardens and in containers for decks and patios.

Combine caladiums with other shade-loving annuals in containers.

Choose companion plants that will complement the colors of the caladium yet have a textural contrast.

Plant caladiums in massed groups of a single cultivar for greater impact, or mix and match varieties for a multi-colored effect in smaller areas. Try them in combination with ferns, astilbe, and shade-tolerant iris or interplant them with other shade loving plants to provide fountains of color. Pair them with impatiens or fuchsias that have flowers in similar or contrasting colors.

A pot of Fantasy caladium creates a dramatic statement in front of Rosy Lights azalea. — A pot of ‘Fantasy’ caladium creates a dramatic statement in front of ‘Rosy Lights’ azalea.

Intersperse caladiums in shade plantings to provide color.

Select complementary coleus or begonia cultivars for a season-long foliage display of color and texture. Try a single, large plant in a raised pot or urn as a dramatic specimen plant and focal point in a flower bed. For a very tropical look, combine caladium with green or black elephant ears. The more compact lance-leaved types are great for window boxes or smaller containers. The cut leaves can last several days in fresh flower arrangements.

All parts of the plant are poisonous if enough is ingested and handling the plants can cause skin irritatation in sensitive individuals.

General Care of Caladiums

Caladiums grow from a tuberous corm, commonly called a bulb.

Caladiums grow from a structure that is botanically a corm, but gardeners and consumer literature commonly refers to these as “tubers.” Corms are available in different sizes based on diameter. The larger the corm, the more leaf buds, so bigger corms produce a stronger foliage display. Each corm has a large, central bud (or “eye”) surrounded by several small buds. The central bud produces the largest leaves but also suppresses smaller buds from growing. Removing the central eye encourages small buds to grow and produce more, slightly smaller leaves. To de-eye a calacium corm, carefully remove the central eye by cutting it out with the tip of a sharp knife. Cut about 1/8 to 1/4 inch into the corm when removing this eye, and be careful not to injure the surrounding small buds.

In the Midwest, plant caladium corms indoors in spring 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost or purchase potted plants. Place the knobby side of the corm with the eyes facing up (both roots and shoots emerge from the top of the tuber) and barely cover with soil. Keep the container in a warm room (70 °F or warmer) with bright light. Move the growing plants outdoors – either keep in the containers above ground or sunk into the ground, or transplant into the ground so the tuber is 1½ to 2 inches deep – after the last frost. Caladiums prefer a moist, fertile, well-drained soil, so it is best to amend most soils with plenty of compost or other organic material. In sites with heavy soils, it is generally better to plant caladiums in containers instead of planting them in the ground.

Caladiuims prefer a moist, rich, light, well-drained soil.

Caladium plants are damaged by low temperatures, and the plants do not grow well until temperatures are warm, so don’t rush to move them out right away. They do best when soil temperatures are at least 70 °F, and planting in cold soil promotes corms to rot. High soil temperatures will reduce leaf coloration, so it is helpful to mulch caladiums in warm climates to help maintain soil temperature below 85 °F.

Caladium Thai Beauty. — Caladium ‘Thai Beauty.’

Older cultivars grow best in partial shade. Although they will grow in full shade, vigor and color is not as good. Newer, sun-tolerant varieties can be grown in part to full sun, especially in cooler, northern areas. Provide adequate moisture during the growing season so the soil remains evenly moist but not wet.

Keep the soil evenly moist and provide plenty of fertilizer during the growing season.

Caladiums are heavy feeders so need regular fertilization during the growing season, especially container-grown plants. Use a low-nitrogen or balanced formulation, as too much nitrogen can affect leaf color.

Caladiums thrive in hot and humid conditions.

Caladium thrives in the hot and humid conditions of summer but begins to droop and lose leaves as temperatures cool.

To keep corms over the winter in temperate areas, bring them inside before soil temperatures drop below 55 °F and ensure they are not subject to frost. Lift any tubers in the ground, remove most of the soil, and allow to dry for a week in a warm, shady spot before cutting off the leaves and storing in dry sphagnum moss or a mesh bag under mild conditions (55 to 60 °F) for up to five months. Plants in containers can be brought inside and left undisturbed in the pots for the winter. Allow the growing medium to dry out as the leaves die back. The containers can be kept in bright or dark conditions but the temperature should never fall below 55 °F. Begin watering again when new growth appears in the spring.

As a houseplant, provide a warm location with bright but indirect light, and lots of humidity. Even indoors, caladiums will enter dormancy after a few months in leaf. When their leaves start to die back, stop watering. Allow the plant to rest and resume watering once new growth starts.

Caladiums have few pest problems, especially in northern areas. Tuber rot – both in storage or once planted – usually occurs under cool conditions and can generally be avoided by proper storage and planting procedures. Leaf burn or scorch typically occurs on strap-leaved cultivars from too much sun, not enough water, or fertilizer sitting on the leaves.

Propagating Caladiums

Propagate caladiums by dividing the corms in spring before potting them up. Cut corms into pieces that contain at least one eye or knob; allow the cut pieces to dry for a few days to callous over before planting.

Cultivars of Caladiums

There are thousands of caladium cultivars to choose from. Below are some of the more popular cultivars.

‘Aaron’ is a fancy-leaved cultivar, and its medium to large leaves have creamy white centers with white veins and dark green margins. Grows 12 to 18 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Candidum’ is a fancy-leaved, with medium to large leaves that are white with green veins. Plants grow 12 to 24 inches tall and have good sun tolerance.
‘Candidum Junior’ is a strap-leaved type with small leaves that are white with green veins. Grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
‘Caolyn Whorton’ is a fancy-leaved cultivar with large to extra-large leaves that are pink with red veins and green margins. Plants grow 18 to 30 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Fannie Munson’ is fancy-leaved, with large to extra-large leaves that are pink with rose-colored veins traced with light green. Grows 18 to 30 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Florida Sweetheart’ is strap-leaved, with small leaves that are pinkish-red with green edges. A compact selection that grows 6 to 12 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Freida Hemple’ is fancy-leaved, with medium to large leaves with dark red centers with wide green margins. Grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with good sun tolerance.
‘Gingerland’ is strap-leaved, with small to medium sized leaves that are creamy white with red speckles and green margins. Grows 8 to 14 inches tall with good sun tolerance.
JUICY GOSSIP™ (variety ‘UF 15-131’) is fancy-leaved, with medium, white leaves with burgundy to red speckling, green veins, and light green margins. Grows 18 to 24 inches tall, with good sun resistance. University of Florida breeding.
‘June Bride’ is fancy-leaved, with medium to large, pastel green leaves with lighter veins. Grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Pink Beauty’ is fancy-leaved, with medium to large, pink leaves with red veins and pink-speckled green margins. Grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with good sun tolerance.
‘Pink Gem’ is strap-leaved with small leaves with salmon pink centers, reddish veins, and irregular green margins. Grows 6 to 12 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Pink Symphony’ is strap-leaved with small leaves that are pink with green veins. Grows 15 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.
‘Postman Joyner’ is strap-leaved with medium to large leaves that are red with wide, medium green margins. Grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with good sun tolerance.
‘Red Flash’ is fancy-leaved with large to extra-large leaves that are dark red with pink spots and wide, dark green margins. Grows 18 to 30 inches tall with good sun tolerance.
‘Red Frill’ is strap-leaved with small, very frilled leaves that are red changing to green at the tips. Grows 6 to 12 inches tall. Not sun tolerant.
‘Rosebud’ is fancy-leaved, with medium to large leaves with pink centers surrounded by white and wide, green edges. Grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with good sun tolerance.
‘White Christmas’ is fancy-leaved, with medium to large, bright white leaves with dark green veins and margins. Grows 12 to 24 inches tall. Not sun tolerant.
‘White Wing’ is strap-leaved with small, white leaves with curled edges stippled with green. Grows 18 inches tall, with moderate sun tolerance.

Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Reviewers: Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Revised: June 2026