In a word, vibrant! The fancy-leaved Caladium Cherry Tart has large hot pink-to-red leaves with deep green edges. It's considered a dwarf variety, but makes up for its small size in density. It's best suited for flower pots and baskets. Cherry Tart Caladiul is a tuberous plant belonging to the Araceae family. This ornamental aroid is often cultivated in containers or as a border plant.
Another University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences hybrid, it was first released in April 2011. It has Caladium Florida Sweetheart in its lineage.
General Caladium Info
- Scientific name: Caladium x hortulanum Cherry Tart
- Ships as: Bulb/tuber
- Bulb size: 1
- Plant Type: Herb
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Light Requirements: Part-shade to non-direct sun
- Soil pH Preferences: Slightly acidic (6.1 – 6.5) to Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
- Maximum Recommended Zone: Zone 13
- Other Info: Deer and rabbit resistant
- Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs
Growing Tips
- Light, Heat, and Humidity: Caladiums require ample light, heat, and humidity for optimal growth. Ensure they are planted in a bright spot with sufficient warmth and humidity.
- Starting Your Bulbs: Plant bulbs about 2" deep with eyes facing up, 8-12" apart, in a shallow container with good drainage. Keep the pot in a bright location.
- Watering: Water generously after planting and maintain slightly damp soil. Roots and sprouts will form in a few weeks.
- Soil: Use a mix of houseplant potting soil, combined with heather soil, perlite, sphagnum moss, or compressed coconut fiber for optimal growth.
Caring for Your Caladium
- Patience: Be patient for growth to appear, typically within a few weeks. Once leaves unfold, repot into a larger pot with the well-draining substrate.
- Light needs: Caladiums enjoy sun, and bright indirect light enhances the vibrancy of the colors.
- Humidity: Caladiums love humid conditions. Consider using a humidifier or spraying foliage with filtered water. This helps keep the colors vibrant.
- Fertilizer: During growth, apply diluted liquid fertilizer for indoor plants, avoiding contact with leaves.
- Long-term care: It can be grown in the garden or indoors as a houseplant on a veranda or bright windowsill.
- Pruning: Trimming back the leaves is not necessary.
Elephant ears winter care
- Preparing for Dormancy: As autumn ends, reduce watering gradually. Once foliage wilts completely, cut down stems, and dig up bulbs. Air dry before storing in a dark, well-ventilated, dry place above 15°C.