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Genus Caladium

Caladium bicolor 'White Queen' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

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From woodland edges in tropical South America come 7 species of tuberous-rooted perennials with leaves variegated in white or shades of red and pink. They are very popular as container plants and as bedding, or grown in a warm greenhouse. Green flowers and white berries play second fiddle to the interestingly mottled leaves, often with prominent veining. Contact with all plant parts may irritate skin, and ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Noteworthy characteristics: Variegated, arrow-shaped leaves.
Care: In the garden, grow caladiums in moist but well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic soil in part to full shade. Lift in winter and start into growth in spring with high humidity and temperatures from 55° to 70°F. In the greenhouse, grow in bright filtered light. Pot up in spring and provide warm temperatures and high humidity. Reduce water in fall.
Propagation: Divide in spring and dust with fungicide.
Problems: Tuber rot, Southern blight, leaf spots, root-knot nematodes. In the greenhouse, watch out for aphids and spider mites.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Caladium

Caladium bicolor 'Freida Hemple'
(Angel wings, Elephant's ears, Heart of Jesus, Mother-in-law plant) Be the first to rate this plant

C. bicolor is a tuberous-rooted perennial of garden origin often grown in containers, as annuals, and as indoor plants. The large, heart-shaped leaves of 'Freida Hemple' caladium are edged in bright green and have bold red centers. Caladiums are excellent choices to add color, texture, and form to shady areas.

Caladium bicolor 'White Queen'
(Angel wings, Elephant's ears, Heart of Jesus, Mother-in-law plant) Be the first to rate this plant

A tuberous-rooted perennial most often grown as an annual or a houseplant, 'White Queen' has large frosted-looking white leaves that have green margins and bright red veins that "bleed". A great plant for full shade, it can also be grown in sun if provided with consistently moist soil. Greenish-white flower spathes appear in spring and are followed by white berries, but the foliage is the main show. Its arrow-shaped leaves light up a dark spot and work well as bedding or in containers. It can also be grown as a houseplant and tubers can be overwintered indoors.