Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | |||
| Autumn | Green White | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Caladium are tuberous flowering plants, often grown as houseplants and known for their large, arrowhead shaped leaves. They are commonly known as 'elephant ears'
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Start the tubers off in pots of houseplant compost in early spring. Plant the tubers so that their growing tip is about 5cm below the soil level. Water sparingly initially and keep the pots warm (about 20°C) to help them come out of their winter dormancy. Protect from direct sun, which can burn the foliage. In autumn the foliage will begin to die back; suspend watering and remove withered top growth. Either lift and store the tubers or keep them in their pots over winter. Start them back into growth the following spring
Propagation
Propagate by division of tubers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.