Erv Evans Extension Associate Department of Horticultural Science Caladiums, Caladium bicolor , are grown for their long-lasting, colorful foliage. Color combinations include various shades of red, pink, white, green, and yellow-green, with prominently colored midribs and contrasting margins. There are thousands of caladium cultivars to choose from. Some of the best performing cultivars are listed below. Lance Whorton Crimson veins with white blotches and green margins Miss Muffett Dwarf, chartreuse speckled with maroon, not sun tolerant Pink Gem Pink, excellent for hanging baskets Pink Symphony Pink with green veins Red Frill Red, excellent for hanging baskets Rosalie Red leaf and veins with green margins White Wing White with curled edges stippled with green Propagation Nurseries and garden centers offer caladiums as potted plants or dormant tubers.
Tubers are available in four different sizes based on diameter and are priced accordingly.
Large tubers have more leaf buds than smaller tubers and, therefore, make a larger foliage display. Each caladium tuber has a large, central bud surrounded by several small buds. If the large, central bud is allowed to grow it will prevent the small buds from growing and producing leaves. Use the tip of a sharp knife to lift out the large, central bud, being careful not to injure any of the surrounding small buds. De-eyeing will stimulate the production of a greater number of, but slightly smaller, leaves.