Caladium

Angel Wings

Regno	Plantae
Sottoregno	Tracheobionta
Superdivisione	Spermatophyta
Divisione	Magnoliophyta
Classe	Liliopsida
Ordine	Alismatales
Famiglia	Araceae
Sottofamiglia	Aroideae
Genere	Caladium

Luce

Low

Acqua

Medium high

Specie

Caladium, commonly known as Angel Wings or Heart of Jesus, is a captivating genus of tropical plants celebrated for their stunningly colorful and patterned foliage. With around 15 species and hundreds of cultivars, Caladiums are prized for their spectacular leaves in shades of red, pink, white, and green.

Habitat naturale

Caladium species originate from tropical South America, particularly Brazil and the Amazon basin. They grow in the humid understory of tropical forests along river and stream banks, where they receive filtered light and benefit from high humidity and rich organic soils.

Storia e cultura

Caladiums have been cultivated for ornamental purposes since the 18th century and gained immense popularity in Victorian England. They have been hybridized extensively over the decades to produce the wide array of color combinations seen today.

Utilizzi

In modern times, Caladiums are grown primarily as ornamental houseplants and seasonal garden specimens. Their dramatic foliage makes them popular for interior decoration, shaded patios, and tropical garden designs. They are also widely used in containers for balconies and terraces.

Conservazione

While many cultivars are commonly grown, wild Caladium species face pressure from habitat loss in their native Amazonian habitats. Sustainable propagation from tubers reduces pressure on wild populations.

Specie e varietà (2)

Caladium bicolor

5 cultivar

Caladium hybrid

3 cultivar

Guida alla cura

Luce

Caladium prefers bright, indirect light — the vivid pink, red, white and green leaf patterns develop best in good filtered light without direct sun. Direct sun bleaches and scorches the delicate, paper-thin leaves. A spot 1–2 metres from a bright window is ideal.

Acqua

Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season (spring–summer) — Caladium is a tropical plant that prefers even moisture. Do not allow to dry out. In autumn, as leaves naturally die back, progressively reduce watering until the tuber is stored dry for winter.

Substrato

Rich, moisture-retentive but well-draining mix: 60% potting compost, 20% coco coir, 20% perlite. Slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5).

Temperatura e umidità

Caladium requires warm temperatures — optimal 21–27 °C; minimum 18 °C for tubers to thrive. Cold sensitivity is extreme: even brief exposure below 10 °C causes irreversible damage. High humidity (60–80%) is important — low humidity causes the thin leaves to brown at the edges.

Concimazione

Feed every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Do not feed during dormancy.

Potatura

In autumn, leaves naturally die back as the tuber enters dormancy. Allow the foliage to die completely, then remove it and store the tuber in dry peat, coco coir or sand at 18–21 °C (do not allow it to get cold). In spring, replant tubers in fresh, moist compost — they will sprout within 4–6 weeks. All parts of Caladium contain calcium oxalate — toxic to pets and humans.

Propagazione

Divisione

The most reliable propagation method is dividing tubers in early spring before planting.

In spring, remove the tuber from storage and inspect for firm, healthy sections.

Use a sterilized knife to cut the tuber into sections, each with at least one prominent growth bud (eye).

Allow cut surfaces to dry and callus for 24 hours.

Plant sections 2 inches deep in warm, moist potting mix, eye facing up.

Maintain temperatures above 70°F and high humidity until shoots emerge in 2–4 weeks.

Domande frequenti

How do I store my Caladium tuber in winter?

In autumn, when leaves die back, dig up or remove the tuber from its pot. Clean off soil, allow to dry for a few days, then store in a paper bag filled with dry peat or coco coir at 18–21 °C (a warm cupboard, not a cold garage). Replant in spring when temperatures are reliably warm.

My Caladium leaves are browning at the edges — why?

Brown edges on Caladium are caused by low humidity, cold temperatures or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity to 60%+ with a humidifier, ensure temperatures stay above 18 °C and maintain even soil moisture.

Why do my Caladium leaves collapse and look burned?

Sudden total collapse usually means cold exposure — even a few minutes near a cold window or in a draft below 10 °C causes irreversible leaf damage. Move immediately to a warm (21°+), draft-free position. New leaves will grow from the tuber if it was not fatally chilled.

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