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Elephant's Ear Caladium

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kah-LAY-dee-um
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Caladiums are tropical plants with heart-shaped, 6 to 12 inch leaves. Within the genus Caladium, there are more than 1000 cultivars that offer foliage colors in red, salmon, rose, white, or green with many variegated combinations. Although it rarely flowers, is sometimes produces a spadix surrounded by a yellow-green spathe. Caladiums prefer a rich soil, constant moisture, and shade and are grown mostly for their interesting foliage display.

Caladiums will perform well in garden borders and containers. You should fertilize them once a month with 8-8-8 (2 lbs per 100 feet). Note that caladiums do not overwinter in North Carolina sustaining damage at temperatures below 45 °F, but you can dig up the tubers in the fall, store them in a dry location at 70 to 75 °F, and replant in the spring after the last chance of frost and the soil has warmed. You should plant them 8 to 12 inches apart and covered with at least an inch of soil. Most Caladium cultivars are adapted to full shade, but some selections tolerate partial sun or early morning sunlight. However, full sun generally reduces the intensity of the foliage color of most cultivars.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

This plant is toxic if eaten in large quantities. Leaves are fragile and can be damaged by wind or hail. Slugs and snails may chew holes in the foliage.

See this plant in the following landscapes:
Backyard Respite Landscape Shady Garden in Cabarrus County Coastal Garden - Tropical
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#pink flowers#not hardy#shade garden#tuberous#summer flowers#spadix#summer bulbs#variegated#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#pink flowers#not hardy#shade garden#tuberous#summer flowers#spadix#summer bulbs#variegated#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Caladium
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central and Northern South America
    Bulb Storage:
    Caladium are tubers, not bulbs, and should be stored in a dry location at 70 to 75 °F.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Poisonous
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Rarely flowers, but can produce a spadix surrounded by a yellow-green spathe.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Heart-shaped, 6 to 12 inch leaves in red, salmon, rose, white, or green with many variegated combination depending on cultivar.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heavy Shade
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    This plant can cause severe pain around the mouth, including burning and swelling of the lips and tongue. Ingestion of large quantities can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with cell sap can cause minor skin irritation that may last several minutes. Ingestion by livestock or pets may cause death.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium oxalate crystals and unidentified compounds.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Sap/Juice