Caladium ‘Red’ – Plant Description

Caladium ‘Red’ is a striking cultivar of the tropical Caladium bicolour, grown for its bold, heart-shaped leaves in brilliant shades of crimson, scarlet, and ruby. Native to the rainforests of South America, caladiums belong to the Araceae family and are admired worldwide for their vivid ornamental foliage.

The foliage of Caladium ‘Red’ is thin, delicate, and paper-like, but its colouring is dramatic. Each leaf displays a rich red centre, often accentuated by darker veining and bordered with a thin green or bronze margin. The effect is vibrant and eye-catching, making it one of the most impactful caladium types for creating tropical displays indoors or outdoors.

Mature plants typically reach 40–60 cm in height and form a dense clump of foliage from tubers. With its bold, saturated colour, Caladium ‘Red’ is perfect as a statement plant for shaded patios, conservatories, or interior spaces.

Caladium ‘Red’ – Care Guide

Light

Indoors: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
Outdoors: Best in dappled or partial shade. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light may cause colours to fade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season (spring to early autumn). Water when the surface feels slightly dry, but avoid waterlogging. In dormancy (late autumn and winter), reduce watering significantly until new growth appears in spring.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Prefers 18–26°C. Avoid cold draughts and temperatures below 15°C.

• Humidity: Needs high humidity. Mist leaves regularly or place near a humidifier to maintain lush growth and prevent leaf edges from crisping.

Soil and Potting

Use a rich, well-draining peat-free compost with added perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Plant tubers just beneath the surface in spring. Repot annually at the start of the growing season.

Feeding

Apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the active season. Stop feeding in autumn when the plant starts to go dormant.

Growth and Dormancy

• Growth: Produces bold red, heart-shaped leaves in clumps during spring and summer.

• Dormancy: Naturally dies back in autumn. Keep tubers almost dry in their pot, or lift and store in a cool, dry place until spring replanting.

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove fading or damaged leaves as they decline, but allow healthy leaves to die back naturally so that nutrients return to the tuber.

Common Issues

• Crisping edges: Often from low humidity.

• Yellowing leaves: Linked to overwatering or poor drainage.

• Leaf scorch: From excessive direct sunlight.

• Pests: May attract thrips, aphids, or spider mites; inspect regularly.

Background and Benefits

Caladium ‘Red’ represents one of the most dramatic colourways available in cultivated caladiums, offering deep, saturated foliage tones rarely seen in houseplants. Its tropical look and bold presence make it a centrepiece for shaded displays indoors and out.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect indoors; partial shade outdoors

• Water: Moist soil in growth; minimal in dormancy

• Temperature: 18–26°C; avoid below 15°C

• Humidity: High; mist regularly

• Soil: Rich, well-draining peat-free mix

• Feed: Every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer

• Growth: 40–60 cm; vivid red leaves with green or bronze margins