Caladiums are known for their large heart-shaped leaves that come in a stunning array of colors. While they have traditionally been grown in shady areas new cultivars are being bred that can tolerate more sun exposure. So how much sun do caladiums really need?
An Overview of Caladiums
Caladiums are tuberous tropical plants that originally came from South America. There are over 1000 named varieties, with new cultivars being introduced each year.
The leaves of caladiums can grow quite large, often up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. They come in colors like white, pink, red, and green with dramatic veining and patterns. Some varieties have leaves that are almost translucent.
Caladiums grow from bulbs called tubers. The tubers sprout each year to produce the colorful foliage. In zones 9-11, caladiums may overwinter as perennials if the tubers are planted in the ground. In colder zones, they are grown as annuals and the tubers must be dug up in fall and stored indoors over winter.
Sun Exposure Needs for Caladiums
Traditionally, caladiums have been recommended for growing in shady spots. They thrive in dappled sunlight or bright shade. Morning sun is tolerated better than hot afternoon sun.
However, breeders have been selecting new varieties that can handle increasing amounts of direct sun. There are now quite a few options for growing caladiums in partly sunny locations.
Here are some general guidelines for sun needs of caladiums:
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Full shade tolerant varieties: Grow best with less than 4 hours of direct sun per day. Avoid hot afternoon sun.
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Part shade varieties: Tolerate 4-6 hours of sun, especially if given some afternoon shade.
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Sun tolerant varieties: Can take 6+ hours of direct sun, including hot afternoon sun. Provide adequate water.
Even sun tolerant caladiums will last longer with some shade in really hot climates. Monitor plants and move to more shade if leaves show burning or browning on the edges.
When evaluating how much sun your planting area gets, be sure to account for changes as the path of the sun shifts during the growing season. A spot that is shady in spring may end up with quite a bit of direct sun by midsummer.
Best Caladium Varieties for Sunny Areas
Here are some recommended caladium varieties that can take more sun:
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‘White Wonder’: A versatile lance-leaf type with white leaves. Tolerates full sun.
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‘Scarlet Flame’: Red strap-like leaves grow well in sun or shade.
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‘Bottle Rocket’: A fancy leaf variety in red, white and green that adapts to part sun.
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Fast FlashTM: Vibrant red color on this sun-loving fancy leaf.
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‘Carolyn Whorton’: Green leaves with bright pink spots and veining. Handles morning sun.
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‘Florida Sweetheart’: Bright pink leaves with green edges. Grows well in part sun.
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‘Fire Chief’: Brilliant red leaves on this strap leaf variety. Sun tolerant.
Be sure to provide adequate moisture for caladiums growing in sunny spots. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings but do not let them wilt badly. Early morning watering is ideal to prevent leaf burn.
Growing Caladiums in Containers
Container planting is an excellent option for caladiums, especially if you need to move pots around to control sun exposure. Use a quality potting mix and allow room for the tubers to expand.
Group a few different caladium varieties together for a striking display of color and leaf shapes. Combine them with trailing plants like Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine. Caladiums also pair nicely with upright plants like coleus.
Monitor soil moisture closely when growing caladiums in pots. The soil can dry out very quickly in an above ground planter, especially one located in full sun.
Additional Care Tips for Healthy Caladiums
Here are some other recommendations to keep your caladiums looking their best:
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Plant tubers in rich soil amended with compost or leaf mold. Proper drainage is essential.
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Wait until soil and air temps warm in spring before planting tubers.
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Fertilize lightly with a balanced formula to encourage lush foliage.
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Provide evenly moist soil. Take care not to overwater.
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Remove any damaged leaves or spent flowers promptly.
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Dig up tubers in fall when foliage starts to decline. Store them over winter in a cool place.
With the right variety selection and proper care, caladiums can brighten up your garden beds or containers even in locations that get quite a bit of sun. Pay attention to how the lighting changes through the seasons and adjust plantings as needed each year. With so many gorgeous leaf colors and patterns available, the possibilities are endless for using caladiums to add striking elegance and a tropical flair to your landscape.
Caladiums That Will Grow in Sun or Shade
The caladiums showy, often brightly colored foliage provides summer-long beauty in hot and humid climates where many other plants struggle. Their good looks and reliability make them a popular choice for shady yards and gardens. With the arrival of sun tolerant caladiums, these hardworking foliage plants can now be used more broadly, and in new and exciting ways.
Caladiums grow wild in the shady tropical forests of Central and South America. In this native habitat, they carpet the ground beneath a high canopy trees that protects their foliage from direct sunlight and extreme heat. This natural affinity for shade is the reason the plants usually suffer when they are grown in areas that are too hot or too bright.
Do I need to fertilize?
Caladiums don’t need as much fertilizer to stay happy compared to “hungry” flowers like petunias. When you plant them, mix some Proven Winners Premium continuous-release plant food into the soil (follow package instructions for rates). Follow up with our water-soluble plant food once per month. Though they may occasionally produce a flowerlike bud called a spathe, caladiums are grown for their colorful foliage.
Caladium Bulbs: Sunlight Needs
FAQ
Can caladiums grow in full shade?
Caladiums have been grown as shade-loving ornamental plants for hundreds of years. But the fact that their foliage will not tolerate full sun has limited their use. Over the past 50 years, caladium breeding efforts have focused on developing new cultivars that can grow in sun as well as in shade.
Where is the best place to plant caladiums?
All types of caladiums grow well in part shade (4-6 hours of sun). However, some varieties can tolerate full sun (6+ hours) in most parts of the country and others can tolerate full shade (<4 hours).
Do caladiums need a lot of water?
Container-grown outdoor Caladiums may need to be watered every day during peak summer temperatures; if they’re in a garden bed, you can water them less often if you spread a layer of mulch across the soil surface.
Do caladiums need sun?
In hot dry regions, direct mid-day sun is often too intense for the plants and can burn the leaves. In cooler more temperate areas these plants can handle morning or late afternoon sun and still thrive. As mentioned above, it’s ideal to plant Caladiums in fully or partially shaded areas.
Can Caladium be grown outside?
Caladium plants prefer indirect light or moderate shade indoors. The narrower the leaves, the greater the sun they can withstand. Growing them outdoors in containers gives you more control over light conditions. Some newer cultivars can be grown in full sun, but most caladiums need protection from too much intense light.
Can Caladiums grow in shade?
Plant caladiums in well-drained soil in an east- or north-facing garden that gets indirect, filtered sunlight or partial shade. They also do well on shaded patios and under large shade trees. If in an area with heavy clay soil, plant caladiums in pots, raised beds, or hanging baskets. Can caladiums grow indoors?
How do Caladiums grow?
They are mainly grown for their white, green, red, and pink mottled, striped, or veined leaves. Caladiums grow best in warm, humid conditions with bright, filtered light, acidic soil, and temperatures between 60 degrees Fahrenheit (night) and 75 F (day). Caladiums are toxic to animals and humans.
What temperature should caladiums be kept in?
Temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit are best. Water caladiums kept inside about once a week. You’ll need to plant caladiums in organic potting soil and then keep the soil moist except during the fall, when you’ll want to let it dry out when the leaves start to die off.