If you love the look of the elephant ear plant (Alocasia spp.), but you’re on the hunt for more colourful varieties, then caladiums are perfect for you!
Not to be outdone by their larger relatives, caladiums shine all on their own with their wide array of colours from green leaves with speckles of white, and green with white and pink centres. So if you happen to have too much green (is there really such thing?) in your indoor jungle, caladiums are a perfect partner to brighten up the room.
With lush multicolored leaves, many times larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens with many recent introductions being sun tolerant. Each leaf seems to be hand painted with striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red.
Although these tropical South American natives thrive in hot, humid weather, they can be grown as summer bulbs in more temperate climates, or even as houseplants given the right conditions. With a little pampering, these exotic shade dwellers create a glorious display rivaling that of any flowering plant.
