Caladiums are heat loving tropical perennials that have unmatched foliage and make spectacular houseplants. The plant s large heart or arrow shaped paper thin leaves come in striking colors and patterns. A caladium mass is a mottled veined and streaked eruption of white green red and pink. They can easily give the visual effect of having flowers planted while being just foliage plants. Although they are grown mainly for their foliage they do produce some flowers which start in spasms or spikes. Plant these tubers in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Outstanding among them Caladium is taking the design world by storm These spectacular exotic plants have the most fascinating colors and details throughout their leaves. Some are spotted others striped and some look like juicy pink watermelon slices with bright green trim. Every leaf is a work of art.

Caladium plants prefer indirect light or moderate shade indoors. The narrower the leaves the more sun they can withstand. Growing them outdoors in containers gives you more control over lighting conditions. Some new varieties can be grown in full sun but most caladiums need protection from too much light. When growing in the garden give partial shade to full shade Full sun burns their leaves. 

Plant caladiums in a rich well draining garden soil or potting mix for containers such as a moist mix of soil and peat. Garden soil should be equally rich and well drained. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic 5.5 to 6.2.

When the plant leaves water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Do not allow the plant to dry out as the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. Stop watering the plant when the leaves begin to die back. Resume watering in the spring after winter dormancy. New leaves will reappear as temperatures warm.

Warm is better for Caladium indoor plants. Aim for 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day 60-65 degrees at night if possible and that s the temperature at which the tubers will begin to grow. Keep humidity as high as practical. When planting outdoors after the last frost date for your area you can transplant the tubers or better yet simply transfer them to peat pots. Plants grown this way should be started indoors four to six weeks before planting.

Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer or use slow release pellets.

If growing from tubers plant in garden beds 1½ to 2 inches deep with the pointed end stem pointing up. Space plants 8 to 12 inches depending on their size when mature. In cooler climates tubers can be started indoors in early spring using methods recommended for seed tuber begonias. If planting caladiums in pots acclimate them to outdoor conditions before placing them in the ground.