Caladium care: watering, light and repotting
Also called angel wings, elephant ear · Caladium bicolor · Araceae family
30 d in winter
How often to water the caladium?
Allow about 4 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 30 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
A tuber plant: its foliage dies back in autumn, which is normal. Keep the tuber dry and warm all winter, then repot it in spring.
Misting every 3 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The caladium likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every year, ideally in March, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to August, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Foliage yellowing in autumn
Cause: Going dormant. What to do: Stop watering and keep the tuber dry until spring.
Leaves drooping in summer
Cause: Thirst or dry air. What to do: Keep the soil moist and mist it.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the caladium?
About every 4 days in spring and summer, and every 30 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the caladium?
The caladium likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the caladium?
Yes, misting every 3 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the caladium?
Every year, ideally in March, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the caladium safe?
The caladium is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Rather for experienced growers: it's demanding about watering, light or humidity. Some experience helps.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.