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caladium

Scientific Name: Caladium

Family: Araceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Caladium: The Colorful Foliage Plant

Caladium ( /k??le?di?m/ ) is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Araceae family, celebrated for its vibrant and long-lasting foliage.

Common Names

  • Elephant Ear (shared with other plants)
  • Malanga
  • Stoplight
  • Seagull
  • Mother-in-law Plant
  • Pink Cloud
  • Texas Wonder
  • Angel-Wings
  • Exposition

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Caladium
  • Family: Araceae (Arum family)
  • Species: Including Caladium bicolor and potentially other species totaling seven according to some sources.
  • Synonyms: Caladium x hortulanum (used in some references)

Considerations for Pets

  • Caladium plants are mentioned as potentially poisonous to dogs and cats.
  • The leaves contain oxalate crystals which, if eaten, may cause burning, swelling, and choking.

Considerations for Children

  • Caladiums can cause serious irritation to the mouth and throat and should be kept out of reach of young children.
  • The leaves contain oxalate crystals which, if eaten, may cause burning, swelling, and choking.

Description and Growing Habits

  • Caladiums are tropical plants that grow from tubers.
  • They are known for their colorful foliage and are used as houseplants or summer bedding plants.
  • Leaves can be shaped like hearts, arrows, or lances, with color combinations of red, pink, rose, white, chartreuse, and green.
  • Leaves are six to twelve inches in size and heart-shaped, emerging from the ground on arching stems.
  • Caladium bicolor has nearly heart-shaped leaves, while others have lanceolate leaves.
  • They thrive in warm soil and require occasional watering and fertilizer.
  • Caladiums planted in full sun generally require more watering.
  • Shoots develop from vegetative buds (eyes) on the tuber.

Cultivation and Care

  • Caladiums need night temperatures in the high 50s and days around 80 while growing.
  • They are grown for their attractive foliage, which withstands intense summer heat.
  • Ideal for shade gardens, beds, and containers.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions a Caladium Festival that includes aspects of the economy, heritage, and culture, suggesting a broader significance beyond just horticulture.
  • One cultivar, 'Sweetheart', is noted for tolerating summer sun and growing vigorously to a compact 15 inches.

Distribution

  • Native to tropical America.
  • Widely cultivated.

Resources and Further Information

  • Clemson University HGIC Horticulture Extension.
  • UF/IFAS (University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) Caladium Breeding Program at GCREC in Bradenton.