Caladiums are tropical perennials from tropical forests in South and Central America. The plant has been cultivated in Europe since the late 1700s. It belongs to the Arum family (Araceae) and is used as an ornamental plant. The large, heart-shaped leaves of the Caladiums can have wonderful colour combinations.
The plants love it warm and humid (indoors you can shower them regularly with lukewarm water). They grow best in the shade, although most species could also grow in some sunlight as long as they get enough water.
The colour of the leaves also depends on various factors related to the seasons (such as light intensity and temperature). For example, caladiums with (partially) coloured leaves (e.g. pink or white) may turn green due to circumstances.
It is normal for the leaves of a caladium to die after a certain period of splendour. However, this says nothing about the health of the rhizome, new leaves will emerge (under the right conditions and with the right care). Caladiums also go into hibernation indoors. When their leaves start to die, stop watering. Let the plant rest (i.e. mostly before winter) and resume watering as soon as new growth starts (from spring onwards), then the tuber can be repotted into fresh substrate.
Neither the plant nor the tuber is hardy!
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