- Caladium
Botanical name: caladium bicolor
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: 6 to 24 inches in height and a 1 – 2 ft spread
Bloom time: spring
Hardy zone: zones 9 and 10
Flower color: does not flower
Foliage color: green, white, red, yellow, gold, variegated
Growth rate: reaches full maturity in 6 – 8 weeks
Pruning instructions: deadhead as needed
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: brings bright color to a shade garden
Light needs: 2 – 3 hours of sun a day
Special features: high medical and soothing effects
Watering instructions: use 5-10-10 every other month during the growing season
Fertilizing instructions : use a slow release granular fertilizer in the early spring
Best time to plant: spring
Best type of soil: loam, sand
Companion plants: coral bells, begonias, coleus
Toxicity level: mildly toxic if ingested
Invasive species: no
