Caladium care guide
Caladium bicolor
How to keep Caladium healthy at home: how much to water it, the light it needs, and how to catch common problems early.
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- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
No water while dormant · winter - Climate
- 18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
When and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
- No water while dormant (winter)
While it grows, keep the soil evenly moist but not wet. Water your Caladium when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry to the touch, typically every 6 to 8 days while it grows. When growth stops in autumn and the leaves die back or drop, it is going dormant: stop watering and start again only when new growth appears. Dry soil during this rest is normal and does not mean it needs water. Let any excess drain and never leave the pot sitting in water.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Caladium thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your Caladium every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
Humidity60–80%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–27 °C (64–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 15 °C (59 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 60–80% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted species record · habit and native range
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension: Wisconsin HorticultureGeneral Care of Caladiums · houseplant · overwintering · pests and disease
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionCaladium cultivation, soil, light, irrigation, and tuber storage
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Poisonous Plant GardenPlot 2: Caladium (Caladium bicolor) · toxic compound and symptoms
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · insoluble calcium oxalates · clinical signs
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