Tropical tuberous plant from Latin America with heart-shaped leaves in many colors

Caladiums are aroids that grow from tubers (often mistakenly called "bulbs"). These tropical perennials lack stems, instead growing their matte leaf blades on long petioles that rise directly from the tuber. The tuber is an underground, round to elongated, fleshy rhizome that functions as a storage organ. 

The majority of hybridized Caladium plants purchased in nurseries are hybrid forms of Caladium bicolor and not true species. The leaves vary greatly in shape, size, and color variations. At least a thousand named Caladium cultivars exist.

Caladiums propagate by producing an inflorescence consisting of a spathe and spadix. The spathe is not a flower but a specialized modified leaf with a spadix growing in the center. On the spadix are very small flowers when the plant is ready to be pollinated. Small white berries eventually develop on the spadix.

Care

Caladium species and hybrids prefer moist, shady conditions, and few if any tolerate direct sunlight. They thrive in partial shade to shade. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.

The tubers go dormant and lose leaves during winter; reduce watering significantly. Ideal temperature 20-28°C during growth, cooler (15-18°C) during dormancy. Buy Caladiums online!