Caladium

Caladium bicolor

houseplant

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Caladiums are tropical foliage plants prized for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves in shades of red, pink, white, and green. They grow from tubers and produce striking seasonal foliage that brings color and drama to indoor spaces. Caladiums prefer warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect light but may go partially dormant in cooler months.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Caladium is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

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Brown Tipschevron_right

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Pale Leaveschevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Bright, indirect light with 6–8 hours daily. Variegated varieties tolerate shade better than solid-colored ones. Avoid hot direct sun which can fade colors.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) during growing season. Water when top inch feels dry. Reduce watering as foliage dies back. Stop watering during dormancy and store tubers dry.

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Soil

Rich, well-draining potting mix. Mix peat moss, compost, and perlite. Caladiums appreciate soil with high organic matter.

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Fertiliser

Feed every 2–3 weeks during active growth with balanced or foliage-focused fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding when foliage yellows.

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Temperature

Prefers warm conditions: 70–85°F (21–29°C). Reduce water and allow dormancy if temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C).

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Humidity

High humidity (60–80%) promotes lush growth. Mist daily, use a humidifier, or place on a humidity tray.

Toxicity

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Tubers and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, burning mouth, and swallowing difficulty. Wear gloves when handling tubers.

Common Diseases

filter_dramaRoot Rotchevron_right grainLeaf Spotchevron_right

Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Caladium losing all its leaves and looking dead in fall?

This is normal dormancy — Caladiums grow from tubers and naturally die back as temperatures cool below 60°F. Stop watering, store the tuber dry, and it will resprout with fresh foliage once warmth returns in spring.

Do all Caladium varieties need the same amount of light?

No — solid-colored varieties generally need more shade to avoid leaf scorch, while variegated varieties tolerate brighter, indirect light better. Check your specific variety's color pattern as a guide rather than assuming one light level fits all.