Caladium plants are often known by the common name elephant ear, Heart of Jesus and Angel Wings. These tropical plants are native to South America and are grown for their beautiful foliage.

 

Caladium leaves are combinations of red, pink, green and/or white, with colored midribs and contrasting backgrounds and borders. The size of the heart-shaped leaves may vary from 6 inches to 2 feet in length. There are two types of caladiums available - fancy leaved and lance or strap leaved. Fancy-leaved caladiums are the more popular type.

 

The size of caladium plants is indicated by tuber size. Large tubers will produce plants with large leaves.

 

Caladiums grow best on high organic, well aerated soil. They should be planted the last part of February in south Florida, the middle of April in the central peninsula, and the first of May in the northern peninsula and panhandle. Tubers should be planted two inches deep and 18 inches apart with growing points facing upward. Proper fertilization produces healthy, large-leaved plants.

 

Caladiums are tropical foliage plants grown for their spectacular, multicolored decorative leaves. They are used as pot, border and bedding plants throughout South Carolina to provide summer color in shady locations. Whether grown in a container, in beds or as border material, caladiums add color and dimension to the landscape all summer long for very little cost and maintenance.

 

Did you know?

 

• Caladiums grown in containers or planters should be started from tubers rather than from seedlings.
• Caladiums cannot tolerate cold temperatures.