Caladium-Heart of Jesus – Angel Wing

Caladium-Heart of Jesus – Angel Wing

The Caladium (common names: the heart of Jesus, angel wings, and elephant ear) is a tuber plant grown for its attractive papery thin, and bi-colored leaves.

The plant genus (caladium) is not short of varieties, which consists of over 1000. Most are hybrids from the C. bicolor and sold with by the name of C. x hortulanum (hybrids). Many other common names are used for these hybrids including the rosebud, frieda hemple, lord derby, and a fair few others.

These are low-growing foliage plants that only grow up to 25in (60cm) tall, with large leaves growing up to 18 inches (45 cm) long.

How it looks: The arrow or heart-shaped decorative leaves are very thin and have a papery texture. These leaves grow up from the tuber buried in the soil on quite thin stems. Some of the eye-catching color mixtures are impressive, such as the lord derby that displays green and pink leaves with green veins, and the candidum with white leaves displaying prominent green veins.

Temperature:

Above 70ºF (21ºC) is the best temperature to provide, and no lower than 60ºF (15ºC).
Light:

In their natural habitat, the heart of Jesus plant grows in shaded areas. Indoors that can be artificially provided with a fairly bright room, without direct sunlight. Direct sun will scorch and damage the leaves.

Watering:

After the tubers show signs of growth (small shoots) water frequently – and keep the soil moist.

Soil:

A nutrient-rich and well-draining potting soil is required.

Fertilizer:

I would feed every week with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Re-Potting:

These are taken out of the pot when the foliage dies down during fall and then re-potted (as mentioned above).

Humidity:

In its natural habitat, this plant is likely to grow with higher humidity levels than we have in our homes, but the average levels within a home should be fine.

Propagation:

Tubers can be divided before planting in spring. When dividing a tuber make sure at least one growing eye is available, so a stem can begin to grow.