Caladium plant profile
Caladium x hortulanum
A perennial flower for shade.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Caladium
Plant caladium tubers in spring after the last frost, once the soil temperature reaches 70 F (Clemson), eyes pointing up. Caladiums are hardy only to zone 9 or 10; in colder areas dig the tubers in fall, store them dry at 70 to 75 F, and replant the next spring once the soil has warmed (NC State).
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Caladium in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Shade
- Planting depth
- 1.5 in
- Soil pH
- 5.5 to 6
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 8 to 14 in apart
- Hardiness
- Zones 9a to 10bFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: tuber rot, leaf scorch.
Next steps
Continue with Caladium
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Caladium (HGIC 1160)
Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Caladium (Angel Wings, Caladium, Elephant's Ear)
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Caladium (Caladium hortulanum) entry
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.