Caladium bicolor aka Caladium

Taxonomy

Genus Caladium Family Araceae Order Alismatales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Caladium bicolor, nicknamed Heart of Jesus, is a species in the genus Caladium native to Latin America. It has been cultivated for hundreds of years and is grown as a houseplant for its large, heart or lance-shaped leaves with striking green, white, pink, and red blotching. Hundreds of cultivars are available, and when planted outside in USDA Hardiness Zone 10, they make great ornamental additions. Caladiums also have a tuberous root system which can be divided to propagate them, and nearly all are cultivated near one singular town in Florida, which holds an annual festival in their honor. Unfortunately, this species can be invasive in some areas, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guam, Micronesia, Palau, Hawaii, and the Philippines. However, naturalized populations of Caladium bicolor can be found in most tropic regions, including Africa, the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, Malesia, and more. The plant consist of a glabrous, erect acaulescent herb with a fleshy corm at base, 1-2 chartaceous, usually with small, irregular whitish or pinkish spots, or variegated along secondary veins, less often completely green, glaucous beneath leaves. The blades point downward, and the petioles are erect, sheathing, white at the very base, usually with purple stripes. Flowers are usually unisexual, with asymmetrical inflorescences of ascending, solitary peduncles that are typically cylindrical, green, usually with purple stripes, a withering, elliptic spathe, and a shorter spadix.

Common names

Caladium, Heart Of Jesus

How to care for Caladium

Difficulty

Caladium requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Caladium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Caladium loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Caladium requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Caladium will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Caladium is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Caladium is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Caladium should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Caladium’s native range is South and Central America.

Flower

If you provide your Caladium with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Caladium Genus

Caladium lindenii Indian Kale

Caladium bicolor Caladium