About
Caladium 'John Peed' is a tropical perennial that reaches a height of up to 60 cm and is commonly cultivated as an indoor foliage plant. Its leaves are heart-shaped, exhibiting a pink hue complemented by prominent red veins and green edges. These leaves 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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- 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
- Patio and container plants, Houseplants
- 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 dividing tubers in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free