About

Caladium 'Florida Sweetheart' is a tuberous perennial native to tropical regions, primarily cultivated for its decorative foliage indoors but also suitable for outdoor bedding applications. Its leaves are heart-shaped, featuring a cherry-pink hue complemented by emerald green edges, and are supported by slender, upright stems.

About the genus

Caladium are tuberous plants that produce flowers and are frequently cultivated indoors. They are recognized for their large leaves, which have a distinctive arrowhead shape. Commonly referred to as 'elephant ears,' these plants add a bold presence to any setting.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1B

Plant details

Plant type

Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

1-2 years

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Sub-tropical

Toxicity

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

Care notes

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

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by division of tubers

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free