Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Tuberous tropical plant with paper-thin heart-shaped leaves in dramatic combinations of pink, red, white, and green. Known as angel wings for its translucent, patterned foliage. Goes dormant in winter.
Best rooms for caladium
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for caladium
Bright indirect light shows off the colours best. Keep compost moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. High humidity is essential — mist regularly. When leaves die back in autumn, stop watering and store the tuber in dry compost at 15°C minimum. Restart in spring.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Division of tubers when repotting in spring
Toxicity
Contains calcium oxalate crystals throughout. Causes severe mouth pain, swelling, and drooling if chewed by pets.
Common problems
- Dormancy in winter (normal, not dead)
- Leaf burn in direct sunlight
- Fungal issues in cold damp conditions
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