Growing a caladium in a pot

The needs of caladium

Caladiums require gentle light, a rich and moist substrate, and a temperature between 20 and 25 °C (15° C being the vital minimum). Therefore, caladiums are best reserved for cultivation in a warm greenhouse, conservatory, or indoors, provided sufficient humidity is maintained.

Place your caladium in the light, but not behind a south-facing window, as the sun will scorch the foliage.

Avoid placing your caladium near a heat source, such as a radiator, as this plant requires high ambient humidity.

Also keep it away from drafts and dry air, which tend to cause the foliage to curl.

Bicolour caladium, a miniature Colocasia vibe

Which pot to choose?

A plastic pot can be a solution, as this material retains moisture well. However, terracotta pots are more durable and more porous: they thus prevent excess water. In any case, opt for a pot with drainage holes in the bottom.

For small caladium bulbs: a pot with a diameter of 10 cm will suffice.

For larger bulbs or for repotting every two years: a pot with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm will be perfect.

The pot for your Caladium will have a drainage hole

What substrate to use?

A compost for green plants or houseplants is very suitable.

You can also try mixtures such as: 1/3 universal compost, 1/3 river sand, and 1/3 heather soil.

Planting your caladium

• Place clay balls, gravel, or simple pottery shards at the bottom of the pot. This will further facilitate drainage;
• Fill with the appropriate substrate (see above);
• Place your caladium bulb in the centre of the pot and bury it about 2 cm deep;
• Fill the rest of the pot with potting soil and gently firm it down with your fingers;
• Water well to moisten the substrate and eliminate any “air pockets” in the potting soil;
• Use a saucer under your pot to catch excess watering. This saucer can also be filled with clay balls or small gravel to retain some moisture.

If necessary, in the case of a pot that is too small, repotting will take place at the beginning of spring, around March-April.

Caring for your potted caladium all year round

• From March to October: keep the compost slightly moist, without excess. Regularly mist with non-limestone water (rainwater) at room temperature on the foliage. You can apply liquid fertiliser for green plants approximately every 15 days;
• From June 15 to September 15: you can move your potted caladium to the garden or onto the terrace if the temperature is warm enough;
• October-November: stop watering. The leaves of your caladium will yellow and then dry out. You can then remove them;
• November-March: store your bulbs in a dry, dark, and cool place. For example, in the cellar;
• March-April: start watering the substrate again to restart the growth of your caladium.

Note: it is possible to achieve flowering at the end of summer. This is not very aesthetic and exhausts the plant. You can cut back the flower spikes.

Warning, all parts of the plant are toxic: handle your caladium with gloves!

Caladium bicolor ‘Strawberry Star’ and Caladium ‘Peppermint’

Bulb Management in Autumn and Winter

Caladium enters its dormancy period in autumn when temperatures drop and light decreases. This is a natural process. The leaves will start to yellow and wilt. There’s no need to worry; this is a sign that it’s time to prepare the plant for winter. Here are the steps to follow:

• Reduce watering: gradually decrease the frequency of watering from the end of summer.
• Stop watering completely: once the foliage has completely dried, cease watering.
• Bulb extraction (optional): you can dig up the bulbs and gently clean them. Allow them to air dry for a few days. Then, store them in a cool (around 15-18 °C), dry, dark place, wrapped in newspaper, dry turf, or vermiculite. This step is not obligatory; you can also leave the bulbs in the ground.
• Pot conservation (alternative): if you prefer, you can leave the bulbs in their pot. In this case, place the pot in a cool, dry place, protected from frost, such as an unheated cellar or garage.

Spring restart and use of a mini greenhouse:

In spring, when temperatures rise (ideally above 20 °C) and days lengthen, it’s time to wake up the bulbs:

• Repotting (if bulbs were extracted): replant the bulbs in fresh, well-draining compost, placing them a few centimetres deep.
• Resuming watering: start watering sparingly, then gradually increase the frequency as the plant develops.
• Using a mini greenhouse: to encourage the start and growth of Caladium, especially if you’ve kept it cool all winter, using a plastic mini greenhouse can be very beneficial. It helps maintain high temperature and humidity, recreating the tropical conditions that Caladium needs. Place the pot in the mini greenhouse and ensure it’s in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Regularly ventilate the mini greenhouse to avoid excessive condensation and the risk of rot. Once the first leaves appear and the plant seems to be thriving, you can gradually remove the cover of the mini greenhouse to acclimatise it to the ambient air.

Useful resources

→ Discover all our beautiful caladium varieties in our online nursery.

From left to right: Caladium ‘White Queen’, Caladium ‘Rosebud’, Caladium ‘Red Flash’ and Caladium candidum