Flowers

How to Grow Caladium: Planting, Spacing, Care & Dig-Store

Quick answer

Start corms indoors 4–6 weeks before average last frost (Wisconsin). Move outdoors after last frost when soil is about 60–70°F (UF). Dig after frost and store dry. Medium poison severity — calcium oxalate crystals (NC State).

Caladium at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 6–4 wk before last frost; Transplant: last frost
SpacingWI: transplant so the tuber is 1½–2 inches deep.
Days to harvestFoliage ornamental; full size in one season (UF)
-7-6-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
Jump to

Updated

Safety: NC State poison severity Medium for caladium. Burning and swelling of lips, mouth, and tongue; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; sap can irritate skin; livestock and pets may die if they eat it. Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals. Poison parts include bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems. Contact dermatitis: yes. (NC State Caladium bicolor) UF/IFAS likewise warns calcium oxalates are toxic if ingested. Not medical advice.

Caladium (Caladium bicolor) — not elephant ear (Colocasia).

Pink caladium leaf
Caladium leaf. Photo: Johnnybam, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized).

Sourced from university extension guides. For dates where you live, use the ZIP planting planner.

Planting timing

Wisconsin Extension: “In the Midwest, plant caladium corms indoors in spring 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost … Move the growing plants outdoors … or transplant into the ground so the tuber is 1½ to 2 inches deep — after the last frost.” (Wisconsin caladium) UF: wait until soil is at least 60–70°F before planting tubers. (UF/IFAS caladiums) Planner: Start indoors last frost −6 to −4; Transplant last frost 0 with the soil-temperature cue.

Depth and spacing

WI: transplant so the tuber is 1½–2 inches deep. UF: about 2 inches deep; 8 to 12 inches apart; eyes up. NC State: height about 1–2 ft; width about 1–2.5 ft.

Sun, soil and water

Partial to deep shade; moist, fertile, acidic, high-organic, well-drained soil (NC State). UF: moist, not soggy.

Care and dig-store

NC State: dig tubers in fall after the first frost; store dry at 45°F or warmer in wood shavings or peat. UF advises digging/storing before frost in zone 8a and cooler, and storing warmer (about 60°F+) — present both. For peer tender-bulb storage methods see dig and store dahlias and cannas.

Pests and diseases

NC State: no serious insect or disease problems; slugs and snails may damage leaves. Handpick or use labeled slug products as directed.

Related: ZIP planner · dig-store dahlias & cannas · elephant ear · organic pest control

Frequently asked questions

When do I plant caladiums outside?

After last frost, with soil about 60–70°F (UF). Start corms indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost (Wisconsin).

Are caladiums poisonous?

Yes — medium severity calcium oxalate (NC State).

Same as elephant ear?

No — Caladium vs Colocasia; separate pages.

Sources