Perennial
Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Traits
Varieties We Carry
White ChristmasCaladium bicolorCarolyn WhortonCaladium bicolorClassic PinkCaladium bicolor
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightPart Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size12-24 inches × 12-18 inches (varies by variety)
About Caladium
Caladiums (Caladium bicolor) are tropical South American perennials grown for their spectacular heart-shaped or strap-shaped leaves patterned in combinations of white, pink, red, and green. They grow from underground tubers and thrive in shaded and partially shaded settings. Widely used in beds, borders, and containers for bold tropical foliage color. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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F
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in partial shade with 2–4 hours of direct sun, ideally morning light; avoid afternoon sun in NE Florida, which bleaches and scorches leaves. Sun-tolerant cultivars (e.g., UF-bred 'Dots Delight') can handle brighter exposures.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist — caladiums prefer consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Mulch beds to retain moisture during NE Florida's dry spring. Tubers can stay in the ground through winter in zone 9b but perform best if dug and stored above 60°F in wet winters.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil amended with compost. Fertilize monthly with a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (April–September). Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which shifts leaf color toward green and reduces the ornamental effect.
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Common questions
Is Caladium a good plant for St. Augustine?
Caladium is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 12-24 inches × 12-18 inches (varies by variety).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.