Caladium

Caladium (Caladium bicolor, angel wings) is grown for its large, arrow-shaped, paper-thin leaves painted in pink, red, white, and green. It stands about 18"–24" tall and arrives in its 6" grower's pot.

Details

• Size: About 18"–24" tall; 6" pot
• Planter: Grower's pot
• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade; keep out of hot, direct sun
• Pets: The ASPCA lists caladium as toxic to cats and dogs
• Best for: Bright rooms with filtered light, shaded windowsills, and seasonal color
• Care: Moderate

Grown, delivered, guaranteed

Prepared at the Interior Foliage Design greenhouse, 47-47 58th St, Woodside, NY 11377. Free pickup at our Woodside greenhouse, usually ready within 24 hours, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Delivery is $45 to Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, Greenpoint, Maspeth, Hunters Point, West Williamsburg and Manhattan below 125th Street; $125 to the rest of Brooklyn and Queens and Manhattan above 125th Street; $195 to Westchester, Nassau, western Suffolk through Riverhead, Greenwich and New Canaan; and $295 to the East End and Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Passaic counties in New Jersey. Every plant carries our 48-hour replacement guarantee; live plants are not returnable (refund policy). Our family has sold plants in New York since the 1970s, and Interior Foliage Design was incorporated in 1980.

Watering

Caladium is thirsty while it is in leaf. Check the soil every few days and, when the surface feels dry, give a modest, measured amount of room-temperature water so the soil stays evenly moist, never soggy. Because it arrives in its grower's pot, set it in a planter of your own or on a protective tray before watering. When the leaves fade at the end of the season, the tuber is resting; water very little until new growth appears.

Why caladium is a seasonal showpiece

NC State Extension describes caladium as a tender perennial grown from tubers for its colorful, arrowhead-shaped leaves, and notes it is a heavy drinker while growing. It thrives in shade to partial shade, which is why it brings vivid color to spots where flowering plants struggle.

FAQ

Does it need sun? No. It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade; hot sun scorches the leaves.

Why are the leaves fading? Caladiums rest seasonally. Reduce water until new leaves appear.

Is it pet-safe? No. The ASPCA lists caladium as toxic to cats and dogs.