Caladiums are known for their big, heart-shaped leaves that display amazing color combinations of white, pink, red and green. These are plants that thrive in hot, humid weather and that usually grow best in full to partial shade. Though Caladiums rarely flower especially when indoors, their beautiful foliage guarantees a colorful show wherever they are planted.
Caladiums are ideal for shady gardens and also indoors. They grow best in full to partial shade. To protect their beautiful leaves just ensure that they get enough humidity and their leaves are shielded from the hot midday sun. If you are planting them in a sunny location, it is important that they still get some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Caladiums grow very well in pots and planters with well draining potting mixes, and are the perfect solution for brightening any home or garden. Depending on which varieties you choose, Caladiums can be bright and flashy or cool and sophisticated. The pinks, greens and whites pair beautifully with other soft colors, and the red-leaved varieties can hold their own when combined with hot-colored begonias, coleus and impatiens.
As an indoor plant, Caladiums are definitely one of the top choices. Plant them in a pot with a moist, rich, well-drained soil amended by compost or other organic matter. Caladiums don’t need a lot of fertilizer, and using too much can burn the leaves. Diluted liquid fertilizer may also be used. However you may need to provide at least 4 hours of filtered sunlight from a bright south, east, or west window and keep the soil evenly moist. Grow in a high-moisture environment, use a humidifier to increase moisture levels. Pebble trays work too. Subsequently, frequent misting can also help boost humidity.