Caladium Plants

Caladium is a genus of tropical tuber-forming plants grown mainly for colorful, often heart-shaped foliage. Cultivars vary widely in leaf color, pattern, size, and tolerance of sunlight, so a genus-level record cannot be assigned one specific foliage palette or exposure. ## Growing caladiums [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/caladium/) describes more than a thousand cultivars with red, salmon, rose, white, or green leaves, often in variegated combinations. Most prefer shade, rich soil, and consistent moisture; some cultivars tolerate partial sun, while full sun can reduce foliage color intensity. The extension notes that caladiums are grown as warm-season plants in climates with cold winters and that their tubers can be dug, dried, stored warm, and replanted after frost danger passes. ## Maintenance Plant after the soil warms, keep soil consistently moist but well drained, and protect the fragile leaves from wind and hail. In cold climates, lift tubers before frost and store them in a dry place around 70–75°F until spring.