Caladium – Caladium spp.

Common Name: Caladium, Heart-of-Jesus, Mother-in-Law Plant, Elephant's-Ear

Botanical Name: Caladium spp., ka-LAY-dee-um

Decorative Life: Months to years.

Flower Color: Pink, Red, White

Availability: Spring, Summer, Year Round

Harvest when leaves are fully expanded. Some growers plant the tubers upside down, supposedly to induce more green foliage but this practice is not documented in the literature.

Chill sensitive, store above 55-60F. In fact, even placing them near a door or window can induce chilling disorder symptoms.

• The genus name is probably of East Indian origin, first published in 1800.
• Several arum family members (including taro) are grown in tropical regions for their edible tubers, representing starch staples for large populations. Many other species are grown for their beautiful foliage.
• Grows best in summer. In winter, they should be allowed to go dormant.
• Will generally grow reasonably well in light levels bright enough to read a newspaper in comfort.