Also known as Angel Wings · 9 saves
Caladium
Caladium, the genus most gardeners know as angel wings. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Caladium varieties
Browse all 5 Caladium varieties →
2 species of Caladium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Caladium in Sow
Save the Caladium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Caladium
Whats common across all Caladium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Caladium year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant tubers after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F
- FertilizeMay–August80% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for best foliage
- Lift & StoreSeptember and October80% 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 |
| Slugs and snails | Large ragged holes through the soft leaf blades in damp shaded plantings | Clear damp cover nearby and protect emerging leaves, which are the most vulnerable stage |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil, reduce watering |
| Tuber rot | Tubers fail to sprout and are soft and brown when lifted, after planting into cold or wet soil | No cure. Plant only into warm soil, and store lifted tubers dry and frost-free over winter |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Caladium
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.
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.
Caladium questions
How many types of Caladium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Caladium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 9 real gardeners — 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 late summer, mid-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.