Subtitle beauty is not something Caladiums can be accused of, with vibrant leaves that can rival flower petals. Both, begonias and tradescantias, are creating a fascinating show, but caladiums are the loudest in my little jungle. 

While wondering online and offline in conversations about plants, I noticed fellow plant enthusiasts mentioning partners that moan about ever-growing collections and I think this is a blessing, as it maintains a healthy balance. Unfortunately, I have a partner that refuses to follow the pattern and insists on bringing home plants constantly. 

Only a week ago I received five caladiums in desperate need of repotting, with more roots than soil in pots. I was dazzled and concerned at the same time. I barely managed to fit all my plants indoor, with many clippings still in need of potting. 

Nevertheless, I’m not the one to dwell too much on my misfortunes, and moved on with repotting. 

Caladium Miss Muffet, with light green leaves and random spots of dark red, still had some space to grow in the pot, but got fresh aroid mix anyway. 

Next, Caladium White Wonder – leaves with green edges and white in the middle, with a discreet red spot near the stem, was a bit of a challenge. In a tiny distorted pot were cramped a lot of roots. I had to separate a few plants to be able to maintain the same pot size. 

Caladium Lemon Blush, with a big splash of vibrant red in the middle of a light green leaf, got a plantlet broken from the clump and I was afraid I will have to bin it. Luckily, it had attached a tiny piece of tuber and after only a few days in water, it started to grow new roots. 

Caladium Fast Flush has this strongly contrasting red and green leaves, with white splashing. Just like Miss Muffet and Lemon Blush, went back into same pot, with fresh soil. 

Caladium Bombshell, wrongly identified as Rosebud at first, has strongly contrasting green leaves with big dark red splatter in the middle and black stems. As White Wonder, I had so separate a few plantlets to be able to fit it comfortably back into the pot. 

Caladium Care Guide

Light:

 * Bright, Indirect Light: Caladiums love bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate leaves.

Water:

 * Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Check the top inch of the soil before watering to ensure it’s dry.

 * Avoid Waterlogging: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Use well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.

Temperature and Humidity:

 * Warm Temperatures: Caladiums prefer warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperature fluctuations.

 * High Humidity: Caladiums thrive in humid environments. Mist the plant regularly or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Soil:

 * Well-Draining Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix of orchid bark, perlite, and houseplant compost works well.

Fertilizer:

 * Regular Feeding: Feed your caladium with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it once a month.

Dormancy:

 * Winter Dormancy: Caladiums go dormant in the winter. When the leaves start to yellow and die back, reduce watering and store the tubers in a cool, dry place.

 * Replanting: Replant the tubers in the spring when new growth emerges.