Caladium Scarlet Flame
Caladium hortulanum 'Scarlet Flame'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
20 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Tender perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
All parts are poisonous if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Caladium hortulanum 'Scarlet Flame' is a tropical perennial known for its large, heart-shaped, vividly variegated foliage, featuring striking red and green patterns that add dramatic color to shaded garden areas. This cultivar is distinguished by its intensely vibrant scarlet-red leaf veins and margins, making it a standout choice for bold foliage displays in shaded or semi-shaded environments.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers 1-2 inches deep in well-draining soil
- Mist cuttings or plant tubers after last frost in spring
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Place in partial shade to protect from direct sun
- Fertilize monthly during growing season for vibrant foliage
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Pro Tip
Plant tubers in early spring after danger of frost has passed for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade during hottest months
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid direct afternoon sun ❌
- Do not overwater, which can cause rot
- Don’t disturb tubers during dormancy
- Avoid dry, sandy soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Caladium Scarlet Flame questions
What zones can Caladium Scarlet Flame grow in?
Caladium Scarlet Flame is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Caladium Scarlet Flame deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Caladium Scarlet Flame, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Caladium Scarlet Flame bloom?
Caladium Scarlet Flame typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Caladium Scarlet Flame need full sun?
Caladium Scarlet Flame does best in part shade.
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Grow Caladium Scarlet Flame with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
