The caladiums, often grouped together under the German name Buntblatt, belong to the family of the arum plants and are sometimes also given the trivial name elephant ear due to the shape of the leaf. The exotic foliage plants have been cultivated as ornamental plants in many strikingly colored varieties since the 18th century.

The variegated leaf is a very attractive houseplant

The stained leaf is not hardy

The genus Caladium originally comes from tropical regions in Central and South America. Although the plant sheds all its leaves towards the end of each vegetation period and only overwinters in the underground tuber, the plant does not tolerate permanent temperatures well below 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, due to the large-leaved elephant ear outdoors, it can at best be placed seasonally as a container plant. Indoors, on the other hand, the lifespan of the attractive and sometimes multicolored leaves can be extended under suitable conditions before the caladiums eventually go into rest at room temperature.

The perfect location in the house

As a houseplant, a caladium is only grateful for a place right by the window under certain circumstances. After all, the variegated leaf does tolerate some morning or evening sun, but like the dragon tree, it should not be given too much direct sunlight. Basically, the stained leaf should be in a warm room or near the heater, as it can grow optimally at temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. In winter, the dormant tubers are stored in a cooler room at around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. So that they do not become moldy, they can be placed in dry peat. In spring, temperatures of at least 21 degrees Celsius are required for new growth.

Maintain the variegated leaf optimally as a houseplant

In order to optimally fulfill the preferences of these exotic tropical plants, the planter should be filled with a low-lime substrate with a high peat content. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on plant health if the leaves are occasionally sprayed with a little stale, room-temperature rainwater. Also note the following care tips for particularly magnificent and large leaves on this valued ornamental foliage plant:

  • during the summer time about every 2 weeks with some liquid fertilizer
  • as the leaves wither before winter, gradually reduce the watering
  • consistently high temperatures and high humidity promote leaf growth

tips

When cultivated as a houseplant or in a greenhouse, the variegated leaf rarely forms the inflorescences that resemble the flowers of a calla lily. However, offshoots can be obtained from the small nodules on the main tuber before it is planted in a freshly prepared planter for new growth.

Category:

Indoor plants