Colorful Caladiums

Florida is called the Sunshine State, and local gardeners are well versed with plants that do well in the full sun such as hibiscus, Ixoras, and cassia plants. For these plants, there is no such thing as “too much sun.” Gardening in the shade can be more challenging but many South Florida plants can tolerate heavy to partial shade in the hot, humid, and tropical climate.  

So, what to do with that drab and shady spot in your garden? Try colorful caladiums with their spectacular multi-colored heart-shaped leaves, unique patterns, and vibrant colors. According to UF/IFAS, caladiums are easy to grow. They are perfect in containers, tolerate Florida’s warm and humid climate and will do well in deep shade to dappled light conditions.  

Caladium x hortulanum are part of the arum family of plants. The color combinations for this plant include white, pink, rose, red, burgundy, chartreuse, and green. The cultivars come into two main categories: fancy and lance-leafed. Fancy-leafed cultivars have large heart-shaped leaves. Lance-leafed cultivars have narrow, elongated, and pointy leaves shaped like a large arrowhead. 

I group my caladium collection with other shade-loving plants such as Anthuriums and Aglaomena plants (also known as Chinese evergreens). They are all compact and colorful with unique patterns, and the dappled light plays up the foliage colors very well. According to UF/IFAS, “when grown in the shade, the leaf colors tend to be more vibrant.” 

By keeping caladiums in containers, I can easily mix and match them with other 

similar plants, and they all receive a fair amount of filtered morning sun. UF/IFAS horticulture experts recommend avoiding direct sun, which will cause the foliage to fade or burn. I can also bring a potted caladium indoors to brighten a hallway and create a tropical focal point.  

Caladiums were originally from the Amazon Basin and came to America from the European greenhouses. In 1976, the University of Florida started its own caladium breeding program, and they have created their own hybrids and cultivars, with new ones coming out each year. 

According to UF/IFAS publications on caladiums, farmers in Lake Placid, Florida, grow 98% of the world’s caladium tubers and are known as the Caladium Capital of the World. We all know that tulips come from Holland, and Japan is known for its cherry blossoms – but gardening Floridians may not be aware that their colorful solution to a drab, shady spot in the garden is grown and hybridized in Florida. 

Oftentimes, we get confused with a similar plant known as elephant ears with a bigger heart-shaped leaf. Caladiums are smaller, but what they lack in size, they make up in their vibrant color. According to UF/IFAS, caladiums will provide beautiful color throughout spring, summer, and fall. There are two ways to plant caladiums. One is planting a full-leafed plant, and the other is to plant tubers or bulbs. This article is about the full-leafed caladium plants easily purchased from local nurseries. 

And yes, a caladium bears a cream-colored flower that looks like a callalily bloom. But the flower does not compare to the real show-stopper – caladium leaves with their amazing patterns, colors, and variegations. Breeders are working on a full-sun hybrid for commercial distribution. 

Some of my favorite caladium hybrids are easily available from local nurseries, and they make ideal hospitality gifts year-round. Look for these favorite colors: 

Florida Tapestry has a medium white leaf with deep rose-pink colored veins and a dark green border. White caladiums brighten a dark shaded area, and they even seem to glow in the dark shade.  

The Red Flash is bright and cheerful, making it a must-have variety that is perfect for both indoors and outdoors and great as a holiday gift.