Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Caladium 'White Christmas' is the standard for the entire industry — bred in the 1950s and still the white-leaf benchmark 70 years later, despite hundreds of newer cultivars trying to surpass its purity and tolerance.
How to care for caladium
Plant tubers AFTER soil hits 70°F — cold soil rots them. Foliage is the entire show; cut inconspicuous flowers as they appear to redirect energy. Lift tubers before frost; dust with sulfur and store in barely-moist peat at 60°F.
Garden uses & design ideas
Best garden use
Plant it in groups rather than singles so spring or summer blooms read as an intentional color moment.
Pair it with
Begonia, Coleus, Impatiens make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.
Layout tip
Match it with part shade exposure, keep it in the same moist-bed zone as other thirsty plants, and check USDA zones 9-11 (lift tubers in colder zones) before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 12-30 in tall and wide.
Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas.
Companion plants
Caladium grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.
Common pests & problems
Where it grows best
Native to Tropical South America (Amazon basin); thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 (lift tubers in colder zones).
Frequently asked about caladium
What USDA zones does Caladium grow in?+
Caladium is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 (lift tubers in colder zones). Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.
How much sun does Caladium need?+
Caladium prefers part shade. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and vigor.
How often should I water Caladium?+
Caladium has high water needs. Water frequently — this plant prefers reliably moist soil. Plant tubers AFTER soil hits 70°F — cold soil rots them. Foliage is the entire show; cut inconspicuous flowers as they appear to redirect energy. Lift tubers before frost; dust with sulfur and store in barely-moist peat at 60°F.
How big does Caladium get?+
Caladium reaches a mature size of 12-30 in tall and wide. Growth rate is moderate, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.
What plants grow well with Caladium?+
Caladium pairs well with Begonia, Coleus, Impatiens, Ferns. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.
What pests affect Caladium?+
Common Caladium problems include essentially pest-free; deer-resistant. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.
Design a garden with caladium in minutes
Drag plants into a 3D space, walk through it, or upload a photo and let AI redesign it. Test spacing around its mature size before you plant.
More plants to design with
Pair well with caladium or suit the same spot.
Annual
Annual
Bulb
Bulb
Bulb
BulbNot sure what to plant where?
Answer 3 quick questions and get a free plant & design plan matched to your space, light, and style.