caladium , also known as elephant ears , are beautiful plants that contribute a tropical touch to any garden or landscape . There are two main type of caladiums : fantasy - leaved and strap - allow for .

1 . fantasy - leave caladium : These caladiums have large , fondness - shaped or semi - heart - shaped leaves on tenacious petioles . The leaves can range in size from 12 to 30 inch tall , establish them quite eye - get . The foliage of phantasy - result caladium is often variegated , with vivacious colours and patterns such as green , clean , pinkish , reddish , and combinations of these . Some popular salmagundi of illusion - leave alone caladium include ‘ Carolyn Whorton ’ , ‘ White Queen ’ , and ‘ Fannie Munson ’ .

2 . Strap - forget caladiums : In demarcation to the fancy - leaved types , shoulder strap - leaved caladiums have light and narrower leave on inadequate leafstalk . The leaf are often ruffle - edge , giving them a unique and attractive appearing . Strap - leaved caladiums are generally more compendious , typically produce to less than 12 inches in tallness . They come in a variety show of colors , including shades of green , pink , and crimson . Notable shoulder strap - leave caladium varieties include ‘ Candidum ’ , ‘ Red Flash ’ , and ‘ Miss Muffet ’ .

Both type of caladiums thrive in warm , humid clime and favor well - drain dirt . They can be grow in garden bed , edge , containers , or even as houseplants . Caladiums are generally planted in the spring , once the soil has warm up and there is no longer a jeopardy of frost .

To plant caladium , choose a location that receive partial tone to protect them from direct sun , which can scorch their foliage . Prepare the grime by loosening it and impart organic topic such as compost or peat moss to improve its richness and drainage . embed the tubers 2 to 3 inches abstruse , with the eyes facing up , and space them about 12 to 18 in apart , calculate on the size of the assortment .

Water the caladiums regularly to keep the dirt evenly moist but not waterlogged . Applying a level of mulch around the plants can serve economise moisture and suppress weed growing . feed the caladiums every few workweek during the growing season with a balanced , water - soluble fertilizer to promote healthy foliage development .

It ’s worth take down that caladiums are often grown as annuals in nerveless mood , as they are sensitive to cold temperatures . However , in warmer regions , they may be perennial and can be left in the ground year - round .

In my personal experience , I have found caladiums to be stunning add-on to my garden . Their vivacious foliage tally a popping of color and creates a lush , tropical ambience . I particularly bask the variety of foliage patterns and colors available , which let me to create visually interesting combinations in my plantings . Caladiums are relatively easy to care for , and with right aid to their growing conditions , they can flourish and put up knockout throughout the growing season .

Caladiums come in two principal types : fancy - result and strap - exit . fantasy - leaved caladium have enceinte , warmness - shaped leaves on long leafstalk , while strap - leaved caladium have shorter and narrow leaves on unretentive petioles . Both types proffer a range of colour and shape , adding a touch of tropical flair to any garden or landscape . Whether plant in the earth or in containers , caladium are trusted to make a argument with their striking foliage .

Caroline Bates