Several species are grown as
ornamental plants for their large, arrowhead-shaped leaves marked in varying patterns in white, pink, and red (somewhat resembling the unrelated
coleus) and have been in cultivation in
Europe since the late 18th century. The two forms most widely cultivated are called "fancy-leaved" and "lance-leaved". The former is the more commonly seen and is the traditional caladium of cultivation; the leaves are more heart-shaped. The latter has more lance-head-shaped leaves. Most Caladiums in cultivation grow to about 24 inches (60 cm) high and 24 inches (60 cm) wide, although dwarf varieties are now in cultivation. Numerous
cultivars have been selected, most of them derived from
C. bicolor. Many are sold as
C. × hortulanem, a synonym for
C. bicolor. The lance-leaved varieties are also derived from
C. schomburgkii. Caladiums grow from tubers and can be propagated by dividing the tubers. They are hardy only to
USDA plant hardiness zone 10; in colder areas, they are typically grown as tender "
bulbs" or as
houseplants. During their
growing season, they require moderate watering (damp, not soggy). Most varieties prefer partial to full shade, although sun-resistant varieties are now in cultivation. Approximately 98% of all caladium "bulbs" are from
Lake Placid, Florida, in the
United States. In recent years, many new varieties have become available through breeding and are now largely disease resistant. The bulk of "bulb" production is sold to pot producers, who in turn provide local nursery outlets with potted caladiums ready for immediate planting. Most "bulb" growers also sell direct retail via websites, shipping of "bulbs" takes place in the spring when temperatures permit ("bulbs" are subject to damage if temperatures are too low). In temperate areas, they should be lifted before the first frost. The tubers are dried and stored for the winter when temperatures fall to 65 °F (18 °C), and stored moderately dry (not bone-dry) over the winter at temperatures between 56 °F (13 °C) and 61 °F (16 °C). All parts of the plant are
poisonous. They should not be ingested and may irritate sensitive skin.
Public displays An annual festival is held during the last weekend of July in
Lake Placid, Florida, home to a majority of the world's caladium fields. A popular activity is a tour of the fields of caladiums, the product of local growers. Every July since 2003,
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in
Kissimmee, Florida, has presented the Florida Caladium Showcase,a large indoor and outdoor display of the plants, including new varieties. In addition, Classic Caladiums of Avon Park, FL, holds an annual early September Open House caladium garden of over 2 acres in addition to farm tours. Many universities feature caladiums at field trials, you may also find displays at arboretums and many public gardens. Caladiums are
tubers, not
corms or bulbs. A corm is a compressed mass of stem tissue with a basal plate (root tissue) at the bottom and one or more "eyes" on top from which vegetative growth and flowers will appear. A tuber is stem tissue with various eyes which may grow vegetative growth or roots.
Caladium drooping They prefer a moderate shady place with indirect sunlight, high humidity, and a well-structured watering schedule. Caladium is a tropical plant native to the tropical Americas. It is intolerant to low temperature or prolonged absence of water. After a while without water, Caladium leaves will go dormant and droop. ==Gallery==