Light (Key to Color)

Caladiums need bright light. They can handle partial direct sunlight, but do best in bright indirect light as their delicate leaves will scorch in direct, hot sun.

Ideal Spot: Place your caladium where it gets bright, indirect, or filtered light. An East or North-facing window is usually perfect.

Color Tip: The more bright, indirect light they get, the more vibrant the leaf colors and patterns will be. If the spot is too dark, the colors will fade and leaves may become small or "leggy."

Caladiums love a warm, humid environment.

Watering (Active Growth - Spring/Summer) Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Wait until the top inch or two of soil feels dry before watering thoroughly.

Caution: Overwatering is the easiest way to kill a caladium bulb (tuber) by causing it to rot.

Humidity: They thrive in high humidity.

Easy Fix: Place the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and a little water. Ensure the bottom of the pot is sitting on the pebbles, not submerged in the water. The evaporation creates a moist microclimate.

The best soil will be light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter, with a balance between retaining some moisture and allowing roots to breathe.

The most important requirement is excellent drainage.

Because standard potting mix is often too dense, many growers create their own custom blends. An effective DIY mix includes a base of high-quality, peat-based potting mix, with additions like perlite for aeration and drainage. Ingredients like peat moss or compost help retain moisture while providing nutrients. A simple and effective ratio is two parts potting soil, one part perlite, and one part peat moss. You can also find commercial "Caladium mixes" that are formulated to have the right balance of these properties.