Elephant Ear, Angel Wings
caladium bicolor
Also known as: ["Heart of Jesus","Canna","Fancy-leaf Caladium"]
Overview
A tropical perennial known for its large, vibrant, heart-shaped leaves with intricate color patterns.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Caladium |
| Botanical Name: | Caladium bicolor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or indoor pot with bright, indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic soil mix like peat-based with perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically during active growth or when leaves decline.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only damaged or unwanted foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; place in east-facing windows or under shade cloth outdoors; move to lower light if leaves show signs of burning.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; water more during warm, bright conditions; reduce in cool or low-light periods.
Soil
moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Use a mix designed for aroids; avoid heavy garden soil; check moisture before watering.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers warm, stable temperatures; sensitive to cold drafts or sudden drops.
Avoid placing near air vents; maintain stable temperatures; protect from frost or extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing which can burn roots.
Propagation
Methods
Division of tubers or stem cuttings with aerial roots.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide tubers ensuring each has at least one growth bud.
- Plant cuttings in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like peat-based soil with perlite or coarse sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone can be used but is not strictly necessary for tuber division.
Timeline
Tubers may sprout within 2–4 weeks; cuttings with aerial roots may root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Keep tubers warm and moist after division; mist cuttings regularly; use clean tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean cuts; avoid cutting into healthy leaf tissue.
Pruning Plan
Remove yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and redirect energy to healthy growth; prune to control size if needed.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune in dry conditions; remove only necessary foliage; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for tuber growth and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle tubers carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water when top inch is dry; ensure pot has drainage holes; avoid overwatering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; focus on the root zone and avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall/winter when growth slows.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like peat moss for moisture retention; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains cold and wet.
Solution: Move plant away from cold drafts; provide bottom heat if needed; reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature dormancy if combined with dry soil.
Solution: Increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; provide shade during peak heat; ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; use diluted solution; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Caladium bicolor. Ingestion can cause severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation, with potential for significant swelling that may obstruct the airway.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Caladium bicolor can lead to oral and gastrointestinal irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to severe swelling, depending on the amount consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCaladium bicolor contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon ingestion. The crystals physically irritate mucous membranes, leading to pain and potential breathing difficulties if swelling is significant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Caladium bicolor safe for pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How much light does Caladium bicolor need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
Q: Why are my Caladium leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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