Caladium is an extremely versatile and beautiful plant, grown for its popular long lasting colorful foliage. They are often referred to by the common name angel wings or elephant ears (kuping gaja), which they share with the closely related genera alocasia and colocasia. Their ornamental arrowhead shaped leaves come in a variety of pattern and colour combinations which includes green, white, pink and red. The plant size may vary from 15 to 60 cm in length. The leaves provide a striking contrast with the green foliage of other plants (just look at the pictures) making these one of the most popular bulb plants for landscaping and indoor decorating. Whilst the flower is insignificant, the foliage puts on a dazzling show all year. Flamboyant foliage is the hallmark of these amazing plants and caladium can be used to add unique flair anywhere in the garden. With caladium you can attain maximum colour and contrast, with little effort.
These plants originate from the tropical regions of Central and South America so they are ideally suited to the climate of Bali, indeed they can be found in abundance in the nurseries around Bali. If you grow them in a region outside of the tropics they would need more care, primarily protection from the cold is the main concern. They thrive in a warm, shady, humid environment and also make great indoor houseplants. Indoors or out, they are easy to grow and insect and disease problems are minimal. Caladiums are closely related to the popular and almost indestructible philodendron and are just as resilient despite their delicate appearance. In fact, few garden plants are easier to grow.
Caladiums can be grown in pots, in garden beds or along borders to inject colour into your garden. They provide warm color in areas too shady for most flowers and look especially good when planted in natural looking clusters. Caladiums generally need protection from full sun for best growth and colour. It is possible for caladium to survive in full sunlight, but only with a high level of humidity, since the plant naturally grows under a thick canopy of trees. If they are planted in deep shade, the green colour of the caladium will tend to dominate.
Caladium likes rich soil. The soil needs to be kept moist, but should also be well draining. Water frequently and thoroughly, keeping the soil evenly moist to touch but not saturated. Do not let caladiums sit in water if planted in a container, as the bulbs can rot if the ground is too soggy. If the soil is poor, add generous amounts of compost, fresh potting mix or alternatively work some partially rotted leaves into regular garden soil. Feed with nitrogen rich fertiliser.
If indoor provide caladium plants with a high light environment without direct sunlight. Caladiums make wonderful specimen plants in containers and hanging baskets. They should be located in front of a bright window with a transparent curtain filtering the light. Caladium requires high humidity in order for it to thrive, so it is important to give a frequent misting of the leaves with a spray bottle. Keep in mind that caladiums in containers or baskets can dry out quickly and will require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. While they are stunning by themselves, caladiums are also attractive paired with other shade loving plants such as ferns and palms.
When cut, caladium leaves can be used to add decorative color to your home. You may use caladium leaves as you would fresh cut flowers. Cut the foliage near the bottom of the stem, and immediately set the stems in water. They will wilt at first, but will then freshen up. Arrangements should last for 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally caladium tubers can produce smaller tuber offshoots, which can be cut away and used to plant additional caladium plants.
There are so many beautiful color variations available to the home gardener who wants to add caladium bulbs to their landscape. Most caladium bulb varieties mix and match together well and look great planted in groupings. Gardeners can purchase several of one, or several of many different caladium varieties for group planting together. There are so many varieties of caladium that you should really look at a few different nurseries because the range can vary greatly from different combinations of green, white, pink and red.
A popular variety is the ‘Sweetheart’ Caladium, which has bright pink leaves with thin green edges. These caladiums are a spotlight of color for the shady areas of the garden. ‘Aaron’ Caladium is another popular variety dominated by shades of green and white. Two varieties that are sun tolerant and look spectacular are ‘White Christmas’ and ‘White Queen’ Caladium. These cultivars have pale white leaves with either green or red leaf veins.
Whether planted under a tree or in pots or hanging baskets, caladiums are among the most rewarding plants to grow. When their few, simple demands are met, they respond brilliantly with vibrant colours and textures that will liven up any garden.
Bear in mind that all parts of the plant are mildly toxic if eaten and can cause skin irritations and or allergic reactions in sensitive persons. I’ve never experienced such a reaction to caladiums, nor do I know of anyone who has. But, if you believe you might be susceptible, wear gloves when handling them.
