Caladium
Introduction & Origins
Caladiums are loved for their papery, heart-shaped leaves that come in an array of colours, including pink, red, green, and white. Native to South America, these tuberous plants thrive when given proper care, making them a favourite among houseplant collectors. Whilst they are commonly grown outdoors in tropical climates, here in the UK they are better suited for an indoor environment.
Caladiums can be beautiful centrepieces when they are thriving, but the key to success can be tricky to master. This guide will explain in detail how to give them proper care and a full established plant.
💡 Did you know?
There are over 1000 known varieties of caladium plants! We love them all but if you’ve seen one or two that are not your cup of tea, keep looking as there might be one that you fall in love with.
What Lighting is Best for Caladium?
Lighting is crucial for maintaining the vibrant colours that caladiums are known for. Indoors, they prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, while insufficient light may dull their colours. Position your plant near a window that receives filtered light, such as an east-facing or north-facing window.
Whilst grow lights are not a must, we do suggest keeping them at least 1 meter away to avoid burns and overexposure. Similarly, faded or dull leaf colours may indicate insufficient light.

How Often Should I Water My Caladium?
Watering caladiums requires a delicate balance to keep their soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. During their active growing season in spring and summer, caladiums thrive with regular watering. The soil should feel slightly damp but never soggy. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again can help prevent root rot as the roots on these plants are known to be fine and fragile.
As the plant approaches dormancy in the autumn and colder moths, its water needs diminish significantly. You should reduce watering gradually, and once the leaves die back, cease watering entirely to allow the tubers to rest over the winter.
What Humidity Is Best for My Caladium?
As tropical plants, caladiums flourish in high humidity. Ideally, they need humidity levels of at least 50% to thrive. If your home has dry air during their growing season increasing humidity can be beneficial. Caladiums are not very adaptable to new environments or cold drafts, so it is important to be consistent with their location, humidity and sunlight.
Dormancy
Caladiums follow a natural growth cycle that includes a period of dormancy during the cooler months. In late summer or early autumn, the leaves will begin to yellow/brown and die back which signals the plant’s transition into dormancy.
At this point, watering should be stopped entirely. The tubers can either be left in their pot or carefully dug up and stored in a cool, dry place over the winter months like wood chips, newspaper or paper bags no colder than 12 degrees celcius.
When temperatures warm in late winter or early spring, the tubers can be replanted in fresh soil, signalling the start of a new growing season. We would also recommend gradually reintroducing water to avoid the tubers rotting.

Repotting & Fertilisation
Repotting caladiums is typically done annually, as they are replanted from tubers at the start of each growing season. Late winter or early spring is the ideal time to repot. When repotting, remove the tubers from their old soil, inspect them for signs of rot, and discard any that appear damaged. Using a rich light, well-draining soil mix with good aeration would be our top tip. A rich well-draining soil like our Simply Houseplant Mix is the perfect blend for Caladiums.
Tubers should be planted about one to two inches deep, with the bud or growth point facing upwards. If you are not quite sure where the growth point is, this should not be a huge issue as they will naturally grow upwards in the spring and summer.
When it comes to their active growing season, we usually suggest feeding Caladiums every 2 to 3 weeks, being careful not to overfertilise as this can cause burns to their fragile leaves.
Common Problems with Calathea and How to Solve Them
These tropical plants are relatively low-maintenance, but like any plant, they can encounter issues. Below are just a few common problems that we see from our customers.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves on Caladiums often result from overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. These plants prefer moist soil but dislike being waterlogged.
Ensure the potting mix is well-draining and contains components like peat or perlite to avoid water retention. Additionally, you should allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Leaf Browning or Crispy Edges
Browning leaves can be caused by low humidity, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight. Whilst it may be tricky to find the exact solution, we would suggest following the care above to find out what might not be correct in your current Caladium set up.
Drooping or Wilting Leaves
Drooping leaves can indicate root rot from overwatering, dehydration, or a sudden change in temperature. The first point of call in this case would be to check the roots. You should check for mushy or discoloured roots and trim them off. Repot the plant in fresh soil. Keeping the plant in a warm environment away from drafts or sudden temperature changes and a consistent watering schedule will all help to rectify this.
Pests
Spider mites and aphids are common pests that suck the sap from Caladium leaves, leaving them with yellow spots or a speckled appearance. If you suspect that you have pests, carefully spray the leaves with water to dislodge the pests or wipe them down with a clean cloth. You should also isolate the affected plant to prevent pests from spreading to others.
Stunted Growth
Stunted growth may occur if the plant is root-bound, the soil lacks nutrients, or the light conditions are suboptimal. To maintain healthy growth, check if the roots are crowded and repot into a slightly larger container.
Feed the plant with a water-soluble fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season and place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
Trending Caladium at GrowTropicals
Looking for inspiration? These are some of the most popular varieties to consider adding to your collection.
And don't forget - Calathea are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for homes with curious pets or small children.
Need More Help with Your Calathea Houseplants?
Caladiums, with their bold colours and striking foliage, bring a slice of the tropics to your home. While they require attention to specific care needs, such as humidity, watering, and lighting, the effort is well worth it. Watching their vibrant leaves unfurl and admiring their seasonal changes is a rewarding experience for any plant lover.
If you have specific questions or need personalised advice, feel free to reach out to us at hello@growtropicals.com. Our plant experts are here to help you keep your houseplants thriving.
Explore our full collection of Caladium and plant care products to find everything you need for a flourishing indoor jungle.