Caladiums (General Overview)

Overview

Caladiums are known for their bright, patterned leaves in shades of pink, red, green, and white. They grow from tubers and are prized for adding colour to indoor spaces, patios, and shaded gardens. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and are most active during spring and summer.

Appearance

Caladiums have large, heart-shaped leaves with striking patterns. Colours vary from solid lime green to bold mixes of pink, red, white, and deep green. Some varieties have speckled patterns, while others have strong centre veins and translucent patches. They grow in clumps, usually between 30 cm and 60 cm tall, depending on the variety.

Reptile Safety

Caladiums are not safe for reptiles to eat. They naturally contain calcium oxalate, which can irritate the mouth and digestive system of reptiles that consume plant material. They are safe to keep around reptiles that do not eat leaves, such as many gecko species and small snakes. Do not use them with reptiles that regularly graze on plants.

Indoor Use

Caladiums make excellent indoor plants when placed in bright, indirect light. They enjoy warm rooms, high humidity, and regular watering. They are perfect for adding colour to offices, bedrooms, and living rooms. They usually go dormant in winter, during which the leaves die back while the tuber rests.

Outdoor Use

Outdoors, caladiums thrive in warm seasons with shade or filtered light. They are ideal for shaded patios, under trees, or sheltered garden beds. They should be protected from cold, wind, and direct midday sun, which can burn the leaves. In colder areas, tubers should be lifted and stored over winter.

Terrarium Use (Plant-Only Terrariums)

Caladiums can be used in large, open plant-only terrariums with good airflow. They need space because their leaves grow wide. They also need bright, indirect light and humidity, which many terrarium environments provide. They are not suitable for closed terrariums with stagnant air or extremely high moisture, as this increases rot.

Light Requirements

Bright, indirect light is best. Direct sun causes burning. Low light reduces colour and makes the leaves pale.

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during growth season. Do not let the soil stay soggy, as tubers can rot. Reduce watering drastically when the plant enters dormancy.

Humidity

High humidity helps the leaves stay crisp and colourful. Indoor humidifiers or reptile room moisture levels work well.

Temperature

Ideal range: 20 to 28°C.Cold temperatures slow growth or push the plant into early dormancy.

When to Repot

Repot when new growth begins in spring or when the tuber outgrows the pot. Use a pot that is only slightly larger to prevent waterlogging. Avoid repotting during dormancy unless absolutely necessary.

Soil to Use

Use a light, airy mix that drains well. A good combination is:

• potting soil

• cocopeat or peat

• perlite

• optional: a little compost for richness

The mix should hold moisture but never stay wet.

Troubleshooting

Yellow leaves

Cause: overwatering or poor drainage

Fix: improve drainage, water less often

Brown, crispy edges

Cause: dry air or underwatering

Fix: increase humidity, water consistently

Faded colours

Cause: low light

Fix: move to brighter, indirect light

Early dormancy

Cause: cold temperatures

Fix: move to a warmer location

Leaf holes or damage

Cause: pets, insects, or physical impact

Fix: inspect and remove pests; improve handling conditions

Dormant plant seems dead

Cause: normal seasonal cycle

Fix: store tuber dry in a warm place and wait for spring