Also known as Angel Wings · 6 gardener saves
Caladium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Caladium, the genus most gardeners know as angel wings. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Caladium varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedAngel Wings
Caladium hortulanum 'Radiance'
#2 most savedAaron Caladium
Caladium bicolor 'Aaron'
#3 most savedCaladium
Caladium x hortulanum
Caladium Scarlet Flame
Caladium hortulanum 'Scarlet Flame'
How to grow Caladium
What the Caladium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Caladium year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant tubers after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for best foliage
- Lift & StoreSeptember and October100% of varieties
Dig tubers after foliage dies back; store dry and cool (50-60°F)
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water when topsoil feels dry 🌱
- Provide partial shade for optimal leaf color
Avoid
- Avoid direct harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not overwater to prevent rot ❌
- Never let soil dry out completely ❌
- Skip fertilizing during dormancy ❌
What goes wrong with Caladium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use horticultural oil or miticide |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil, reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Caladium
Tuber division
- Dig up tubers after foliage dies back in fall.
- Cut into sections with at least one eye each.
- Allow cut surfaces to callus for 24 hours.
- Plant sections 2-3 inches deep in pots or garden bed.
- Water lightly and keep in warm, shaded place for root development.
Division
- Wait until dormancy in fall or spring.
- Carefully dig up tubers.
- Separate tubers with clean cuts.
- Plant divisions 1-2 inches deep in moist soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for new growth to establish.
Caladium questions
How many types of Caladium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Caladium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 6 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Caladium grow in?
Across its varieties, Caladium covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Caladium bloom?
Most Caladium varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Caladium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Caladium shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Caladium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
