Can Caladiums Grow Indoors?

Caladiums are tropical perennials that love tropical climates.

They have incredibly gorgeous foliage that is ideal for a statement houseplant. The leaves are large and in the shape of an arrow or heart. They are also incredibly delicate and come in vibrant colors and vivid patterns.

The kaleidoscope of red, pinks, whites, and greens will brighten up any room. But can you grow caladiums indoors? Keep reading to become a caladium expert!

How Do I Care For My Caladium Indoors?

When you bring your caladium indoors, you need to carefully think about its position. Copying the natural environment of your caladium is the best way to keep it indoors successfully – as in the best way to keep it alive! 

Light

Your plant will need medium light and protection from the midday sun. Keep in mind that the leaves are incredibly delicate and easily scorched if they receive too much sunlight or exposure that is too intense.

We recommend a northern or eastern window for the best sun exposure.

Humidity

The caladium is a tropical plant that is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of South America. It is therefore vital that you create some humidity for your plant to thrive.

You can either invest in a humidifier, or you can take a more hands-on approach. We recommend that you regularly mist the leaves of your plant to mimic rainfall, or you can sit your caladium’s plant pot on top of a saucer with water-covered pebbles.

This will create humidity in the air surrounding your plant through evaporation – just be sure that there is always water in the saucer!

The final step you can take to keep humidity at the correct levels is to keep your plant away from appliances that alter the movement of air.

Things like heating vents will blow hot air towards your plant, moving the moisture in the air. Drafty windows or doorways will have a similar effect.

Water & Fertilization

You need to keep your caladium well watered while it is in its height of foliage-glory. This is because it uses up more water to grow and loses more water through the leaves. To avoid root rot, make sure to only water when the soil is dry when touched. 

Your caladium will only need fertilizer when it is actively growing. This will only be in the Spring and Summer. Do not fertilize in the Fall or Winter as this will cause sudden growth spurts and create a leggy plant.

Temperature

Remember that the caladium is a tropical plant – it needs heat and humidity to thrive. 

Keep your plant in a room that is warmer than 65 °F (18 °C). Try to keep the temperature as constant as possible by avoiding drafty windows and doors.

We recommend that you keep your caladium a good distance from any doorways as they create gusts whenever they are opened or closed.

End Of Foliage

You do not need to do anything different when the leaves begin to die back – this is expected and a completely natural part of your caladium’s cycle. 

Let the leaves die back and then wait until they have dropped off of their own accord. Any leaves that are dead but not dropping off can be cut. With all the leaves gone, it is time to deal with the tubers.

You can either leave them in the pot and stop watering, or you can carefully take them out of the soil and keep them in some peat in a breathable bag.

Once the weather gets warmer you can either resume watering the tubers left in the pot, or you move the tubers into a pot. 

We recommend that you move the pot with the tubers to a brighter place in your home but be sure to avoid the midday sun. Overly intense sunlight will cause the tubers to burn and stop growing.

You need to wait until they have begun to sprout before going back to the usual care routine. You can also move your caladium outside at this point if you want.

Can Caladiums Grow Indoors?

Yes – caladium plants can be grown indoors. 

Be sure to give your caladium lots of heat and indirect light. You may need to invest in a humidifier to better mimic the caladium’s natural tropical habitat. 

Keep in mind that caladium plants are not evergreens. Even if you manage to create the perfect environment for your plant, the leaves will only last for a couple of months before beginning to die back.

Your caladium will return to a state of dormancy again for several months after the leaves fall off – this is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. 

Can I Bring My Caladium Indoors For Winter?

You can bring your caladium indoors at any point of the year – just be sure to follow all the required care instructions to keep it healthy.

Keep in mind that your caladium will naturally be dormant over the winter months. It is best for the overall and long-term health of your plant to not interfere with this yearly cycle too much.

Letting your caladium rest will help make sure that the foliage is beautiful after dormancy has finished.

How Long Does It Take To Grow Caladiums Indoors?

You can help speed up the growth of your indoor caladium by keeping the conditions of the room where you keep it as close to ideal as possible. This means that you need lots of bright but indirect sunlight, warmth, and humidity.

We do not recommend that you increase fertilization more than the manufacturer recommends as this will cause uneven growth and leggy branches.

When you replant or resume watering the tubers of your caladium plant, you can expect it to take anything from two to twelve weeks for sprouting to occur.

The time frame will be similar when waiting for caladium bulbs to germinate. Increase warmth and humidity to help decrease this time frame.

Final Thoughts

Caladiums are gorgeous plants that will add vibrancy to any room.

Remember that they are tropical plants and so need heat, humidity, and sunlight. Keep your caladium healthy and thriving by doing some experimentation to find the perfect balance.