Caladium bicolor is also known as elephant ear or angel ear, it is a very beautiful tropical plant that It has large heart- or arrow-shaped leaves of various colors and patterns.
It is a very beautiful and exotic perennial plant that will add vibrant colors and textures to any space. It is native to South America, comes from humid environments of tropical forestsIt is very popular for the striking details and colors of its leaves and its ease of care.
Characteristics of Caladium bicolor
It is a plant with large heart-shaped leaves that come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They can be white or deep red, and sometimes have a hint of color. In other cases we can see some white leaves with green edges and veins.
Another very original feature of the leaves is their translucent appearance which makes them look almost ghostly in certain light conditions. The plant can grow up to 80 cm in height from its tuberous root base and The arrowhead leaf can reach 50 cm in length.
Caladium bicolor plants can also produce small flowers, which are usually white or pink in color. They can be grown in pots or containers and put indoors or moved outside. in summer if you wish.
But, you should place it in a protected place inside such as a bright bathroom, it can be an ideal place since They are plants that need warm and humid places to thrive. properly.
Caladium bicolor care
They are very easy to grow and care for, and are an option Ideal to incorporate into your garden or also to decorate any space inside your house. Always taking special care of humidity and light.
Luz
It is a plant that we should grow in a place that receives somewhat filtered sunlight because too much direct light can burn its leaves. The most suitable temperatures are between 21 and 29 °C.
If you place it outside you have to take into account finding a semi-shaded place.
One thing to keep in mind is that the narrower their leaves are, the more sun they can handle. Some newer varieties can be grown in full sun, but Most Caladiums need protection from direct sunlight.
Land
Prefer a rich and well-drained soilYou can incorporate a mixture of soil and peat into the soil in the pot or in the garden, and the soil pH should be slightly acidic. It is important to keep the soil moist especially during the summer. and fertilize it during the growing season.
Irrigation
When the leaves appear you should water it and keep the soil moist evenly and Never let the plant dry out because the leaves may turn yellow and fall off.
If you have a pot or grow it in the garden, you should water it every day during the hottest hours. Stop watering it when the leaves begin to wilt and start again in spring. New leaves will begin to appear as temperatures rise.
Pruning
It is a plant that does not need too much pruning, but during the growing season it is a good option to use sterilized scissors and remove dead leaves and stems, as well as those that are damaged or diseased.
Propagating Caladium
You can plant the tuber 5 cm deep in a pot that is 15 cm deep. If you plant them in rows and they are large tubers, they must be separated by at least 20 cm. The little ones can be closer.
You should keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to check that the pots have large drainage holes.
Plagues and diseases
The potted plant can die for several reasons such as: overwatering or lack of watering, inadequate drainage, in addition to the pests that can affect it.
Another concern that Caladium bicolor can generate is its sensitivity to pests, in particular to red spiders and the cochineal insects. As well as the caterpillars and grasshoppers that chew the leaves and it is very important to eradicate them.
To prevent pests from infesting your plant, Keep blades clean and free of dust and debris. If you notice signs of infestation, treat the plant with a natural pesticide, such as neem oil.
The most common pest that attacks it is the red spider that thrives in dry environments, therefore, You should spray the leaves regularly to increase humidity. and thus avoid them.
Common problems
Other problems that can occur are that the leaves turn yellow due to over or under watering. Also due to too much light or suffering from temperature and humidity stress. In these cases the plant may be having low levels of nutrients such as magnesium, nitrogen or iron.
Si the leaves are starting to turn brown The plant may be dry or receiving too much direct light, or it is not receiving the necessary humidity.
Other diseases such as leaf spots that are caused by fungi can be prevented by proper drainage. Remember that if you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation you must act immediately to prevent further damage.
Something to keep in mind is that it is a poisonous plant., has toxic parts because calcium oxalate crystals appear in its composition.
They have to be ingested in large quantities to cause any kind of problem in the body. Although they can cause an allergic reaction on the skin or itching on contact. It is very important to keep it away from children and it is moderately toxic to cats and dogs.
Finally, Caladium bicolor is a beautiful and exotic plant that will add a splash of color to any garden. Growing and caring for it is relatively easy. provided that it is provided with the appropriate growing conditions, water and fertilizer.
Make sure to keep the plant clean and pest-free to ensure healthy growth. With proper care and your undivided attention, the spectacular plant will continue to add vibrant colors and textures to your space for years to come.