8 Beautiful Caladium Varieties

Easy-to-grow tropical perennials with colorful foliage.

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Updated on April 3, 2023

Caladiums, known for their oversized leaves, often heart-shaped, are tropical plants that look great in garden beds, containers, or window boxes. Plant caladiums in late spring or early summer in areas with full or partial sunlight. Since caladiums can grow in the shade, this helps popularize them as a houseplant that still adds unique foliage and color to your home. Keep the soil well-drained, moist, and full of nutrients.

Caladiums grow well when paired with other perennial flowers and plants, such as impatiens, begonias, and ferns. Discover some of the best caladium varieties with unique color combinations and variegation.

01 of 08

'Pink Symphony'

Caladium 'Pink Symphony' is ideally grown in a container with partial sun and shade access. As a strap-leaf caladium, this variety can handle more sun exposure than others. The foliage on this plant is pink and white, with a dark green vein spreading throughout.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Pink Symphony'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

02 of 08

'Iceberg'

Caladium 'Iceberg' is a strap-leaf variety with stunning green foliage. The mottled cream and dark green pattern covers the foliage with a darker red coloration where the stem meets the leaf blade.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Iceberg'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

03 of 08

'Rose Glow'

A newer variety with beautiful pink-white-and-green leaves, Caladium 'Rose Glow' is great for shady spots. This caladium grows well in containers or as a landscape plant. Combine this caladium with other shorter varieties for a fuller appearance.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Rose Glow'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

04 of 08

'Carolyn Whorton'

The Caladium 'Carolyn Whorton' is a tuberous perennial great en masse with vivid pink leaves with a dark green pattern and red veining. This caladium flowers in the summer but is barely visible over the extensive foliage. This variety tolerates more sun than other varieties but also grows well as a houseplant.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Carolyn Whorton'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

05 of 08

'Miss Muffet'

The Caladium 'Miss Muffet' is a dwarf variety that grows well in the sun or shade. It features heart-shaped, chartreuse leaves speckled with dark pink or red spots. Try this caladium in hanging baskets or a houseplant.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Miss Muffet'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

06 of 08

'Postman Joyner'

Designed as a shade-loving plant, the 'Postman Joyner' is a classic, fancy-leaf caladium. This plant features foliage with green and pinkish-red colors. Use this plant in window boxes or as a border plant.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Postman Joyner'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

07 of 08

'Candyland'

A strap-leaf or sun-tolerant variety that has foliage with season-long color and texture. The showy foliage features pink and white freckles and darker green outlines. This caladium can grow as an annual or perennial, depending on a region's climate.

Botanical Name: Caladium 'Candyland'
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

08 of 08

'Red Flash'

A caladium with large, heart-shaped leaves in an olive green highlighted with bright red veins and pink freckles. This easy-to-care-for caladium showcases unique foliage throughout the summer. Caladium 'Red Flash' is a fancy-leaf, tuberous perennial plant.