Different Types of Caladium: 16 Popular Types
Caladium is a genus of tropical plants that people like most for their beauty and for keeping them indoors.
There are so many types of it. Among them, the most popular are Festivia, Fiesta, Lindenii, and Hot Lips.
All these varieties of Caladium have different features and different appearances. For these differences, people treat them differently and I am also going to talk about them with you.
Caladium has more than 1000 types but I have seen only 40-50 of them.
Here I will talk only about 16 of them which are popular.
16 Common Different Types of Caladium
Here I talked about the basic care of each type and their appearance. Also, I tried to add how one variety is different from others. So, let’s check.
1/ Caladium Candidum
Identification Marks of Caladium Candidum
- Light green leaves with delicate dark green veins.
- Veins are intricately patterned throughout the foliage.
- Heart-shaped leaves extend gracefully from petioles.
Caladium Candidum is easily recognizable by its light green leaves adorned with intricate dark green veins.
The veins create a delicate and captivating pattern that gives the plant a distinctive appearance. The heart-shaped leaves add a touch of elegance as they gracefully extend from the petioles.
It reaches a height of 12-18 inches, preferring partial shade.
This caladium variety stands out as a visually appealing and unique addition to any plant collection, bringing a subtle yet enchanting charm to indoor or outdoor spaces.
To care for Candidum, plant it in well-drained soil, keep it out of direct sunlight, and maintain consistent moisture levels.
2/ Caladium Southern Charm
Identification Marks of Caladium Southern Charm
- Light green leaves with vibrant red veins.
- Thick red veins create a striking pattern.
- Red margins accentuate the edges of the leaves.
Meet Caladium Southern Charm, a botanical masterpiece that effortlessly catches the eye.
Its light green leaves serve as a canvas for nature’s bold strokes, featuring vibrant red veins that run through them like rivers of artistry.
These veins aren’t just lines; they’re thick, adding a robust character to the overall design.
As if that wasn’t captivating enough, the edges of the leaves boast a dramatic touch with their red margins, framing the entire leaf in a striking contrast.
This caladium is a living spectacle, a perfect blend of subtlety and boldness, ready to add a touch of Southern charm to your green space.
It grows to a height of 14″ – 16″ and prefers well-drained soil in partial shade.
This variety adds an elegant and charming touch to any garden. Care for Southern Charm by providing the right amount of shade and water to keep its striking coloration.
3/ Caladium White Christmas
Identification Marks of Caladium White Christmas
- White leaves with prominent dark green veins.
- Large, bold veins create an eye-catching pattern.
Introducing the Caladium White Christmas – a plant that brings the purity of winter into your green oasis all year round.
Its pristine white leaves serve as a blank canvas, generously adorned with grand, dark green veins that traverse the surface, forming a captivating pattern.
They grow up to 22 inches tall and spread their charm over 22 inches wide, creating a symphony of elegance in your garden.
Whether you plant them en masse or use them as striking bedding plants, they thrive with individual spaces of approximately 16 inches apart, creating a harmonious dance of nature.
Not just a feast for the eyes, these shade-loving caladiums boast large leaves on tall stems, ensuring a majestic presence in any shady corner.
Its Caladium bulbs, available in three sizes –
- medium
- large
- and jumbo
4/ Caladium Festivia
Identification Marks of Caladium Festivia
- Dark red leaves adorned with thick green veins.
- Veins creating a bold and intricate pattern.
Caladium Festivia, a petite powerhouse of rich hues and bold design.
Its dark red leaves are not just a color but a statement, complemented by the thick green veins that weave through them with an artistic flair.
This caladium is not one to shy away; it proudly flaunts a bold and intricate pattern that’s sure to draw attention in any garden bed or potted arrangement.
Standing at a modest 1 to 2 feet tall, Caladium Festivia might be compact, but its impact is anything but small.
As it grows, it forms a tight clump, creating a neat and well-organized display of natural elegance.
5/ Caladium Fiesta
Identification Marks of Caladium Fiesta
- White or light green leaves.
- Wide red, thick veins creating a striking contrast.
- Small, thin green veins spread across the entire leaf.
Enter the lively world of Caladium Fiesta, where nature throws a celebration of colors and patterns.
Its bright or light green leaves act as the perfect canvas, adorned with a festive display of wide red, thick veins that steal the show.
Each leaf is a unique piece of art, with small, thin green veins adding a subtle touch, spreading like confetti across the entire surface.
Standing at a delightful 12 inches in height and width(approx.), this caladium is a compact masterpiece that’s both easy on the eyes and easy to care for.
The variegated foliage not only adds a splash of color to your space but also ensures that every glance reveals a new detail.
6/ Caladium White Cranberry Star
Identification Marks of Caladium White Cranberry Star
- White or green leaves with heart-shaped elegance.
- Dark green, thick veins creating a bold contrast.
- Dark pink, purple, or red color spots scattered across the leaves.
Enter the enchanting realm of Caladium White Cranberry Star, a celestial dance of colors and shapes.
Its heart-shaped leaves, whether adorned in pristine white or calming green, play host to a mesmerizing spectacle.
Dark green, thick veins boldly traverse the canvas, forming a captivating contrast that’s as striking as a star-studded night.
But the real showstopper is the sprinkling of dark pink, purple, or red color spots that resemble cosmic wonders, scattered playfully across the leaves.
Each leaf is a celestial body in its own right. Standing at an average height of 18 inches when grown in full sun for four months, this caladium is not just a plant; it’s a celestial voyage waiting to unfold in your garden.
7/ Caladium Baiman
Identification Marks of Caladium Baiman
- Dark red leaves with bold, black veins.
- A striking contrast between the rich red and deep black.
The dark red leaves of this caladium serve as a captivating backdrop, akin to the deep hues of a fine Bordeaux.
What sets it apart are the bold, black veins that intricately trace their way across the foliage, creating a striking contrast reminiscent of an artistic masterpiece.
Standing at a size ranging from 12 to 24 inches, Caladium Baiman is not just a plant; it’s a statement piece, adding a touch of bold elegance to your green space.
8/ Caladium White Queen
Identification Marks of Caladium White Queen
- Light or dark green leaves with a regal touch.
- Dark pink or red veins, elegantly contrasting against the green backdrop.
- Wide-spread veins creating a captivating pattern in the center area.
Whether dressed in the serene shades of light or the deep tones of dark green, the leaves of this caladium exude an air of regality.
What truly steals the show are the dark pink or red veins, generously strewn across the foliage like intricate veins of royalty.
These veins, wide-spread in the center, form an amazing beautiful pattern, turning each leaf into a masterpiece.
Standing at a height ranging from 1 to 2 feet, the Caladium White Queen can grow attention and admiration in every corner it adorns.
9/ Caladium White Majesty
Identification Marks of Caladium White Majesty
- Tall and large strap-shaped leaves in white or light green.
- Dark green border accentuating the edges.
- Light green, almost invisible veins, adding a subtle touch.
Standing tall at a height ranging from 18 to 24 inches, this caladium boasts strap-shaped leaves that exude an aura of majesty.
Whether dressed in pristine white or a gentle light green, each leaf is adorned with a distinguished dark green border, adding a touch of sophistication.
What sets White Majesty apart is its subtle elegance—light green, almost invisible veins delicately traverse the leaves, creating a nuanced texture that is both refined and amazing.
10/ Caladium Heart Of Jesus
11/ Caladium Hot Lips
Identification Marks of Caladium Hot Lips
- Dark red leaves with bold black or red veins.
- Pink spots scattered playfully across the foliage.
Enter the sizzling world of Caladium Hot Lips, where every leaf is a canvas painted with fiery hues.
The dark red leaves, reminiscent of a sultry sunset, are adorned with bold black or red veins that add an element of drama to the botanical scene.
But what truly makes this caladium a showstopper is the playful addition of pink spots, scattered like confetti across the foliage.
Standing at a height ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 feet, as per production, Caladium Hot Lips knows how to make a statement without taking up too much space. You can cultivate it in a 5-inch plastic pot.
12/ Caladium Lindenii
Identification Marks of Caladium Lindenii
- Dark green arrow-shaped leaves.
- White or light green veins creating a striking pattern.
- Slightly curved margins with a distinctive center featuring broad white shades.
The dark green arrow-shaped foliage of Caladium Lindenii sets the stage for nature’s artistic expression.
Delicate white or light green veins dance across each leaf, creating a mesmerizing pattern that captures the eye.
Notice the subtle curve along the margins, adding a touch of grace to the overall silhouette.
However, the true spotlight falls on the center, where broad white shades elegantly spread from the heart of the leaf.
Reaching a maximum height of 0.3 to 0.6 meters, this caladium grows from tuberous rhizomes, ensuring a sturdy and resilient presence in your green sanctuary.
13/ Caladium Heart & Soul
14/ Caladium Rubicundum Bicolor
Identification Marks of Caladium Rubicundum Bicolor
- Green heart-shaped leaves.
- Blue and pink mixed color veins, resembling a dark blue shade.
- Pink spots scattered across the foliage.
Caladium Rubicundum Bicolor, its heart-shaped leaves, dressed in a lush green, serve as the canvas for a mesmerizing display.
The veins, a breathtaking blend of blue and pink that takes on the appearance of a captivating dark blue, create an intricate pattern that’s nothing short of a visual feast.
But the allure doesn’t end there – pink spots are generously scattered across the foliage, adding a playful touch to the overall composition.
Standing at a height of 1 to 3 feet, this caladium is not just a plant; it’s a living expression of nature’s artistry.
For those aiming for greater heights, a tip – to reach the impressive 3+ feet, cultivate it with wet feet in a warm and humid environment. May you will get a good result.
15/ Caladium Tears Of The Sun
Identification Marks of Caladium Tears Of The Sun
- Heart-shaped leaves in green or lime color.
- Dark red or pink veins, broader at the center.
- White spots scattered across the foliage.
Enter the radiant realm of Caladium Tears Of The Sun, where every leaf is a testament to nature’s vibrant palette.
The heart-shaped leaves, whether bathed in serene green or lively lime, create a lively canvas for the botanical spectacle.
Dark red or pink veins gracefully traverse the leaves, with their broadest display at the center, forming a dynamic pattern that’s as captivating as a sunset.
Adding to the visual symphony are the scattered white spots, like glistening tears, enhancing the overall allure.
Standing at a height ranging from 12 to 24 inches, this caladium is not just a plant; it’s a living expression of the sun’s emotions in your green space.
16/ Caladium Red Devil
Identification Marks of Caladium Red Devil
- Dark blackish-red leaves with a mysterious allure.
- Light red veins creating a striking contrast.
- Green shadow margin enhancing the overall intensity.
Caladium Red Devil leaves, draped in a deep blackish-red hue, evoke a sense of mystery and drama.
Adding to the intrigue are the comparatively light red veins, creating a striking contrast that captures the eye.
Notice the subtle yet impactful green shadow margin, enhancing the intensity of the overall composition.
Despite its devilish name, this caladium stands at a modest height, with the plant reaching 36cm from the base of the pot to the top.
(To be continued. Details of more varieties are coming)
A Special Note
Here is an important note for you.
caladium has many varieties. Each has its own regular heights, colors, shapes, etc. but sometimes it can vary for many reasons.
So the data I showed here is based on reliable sources but is changeable. It can vary based on many factors such as care, propagation, climate, etc.
References:
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/caladium-candidum-angel-wings#:~:text=Grows%20up%20to%2012%2D18,or%20the%20leaves%20may%20scorch.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caladium
- https://www.classiccaladiumsllc.com/customproduct/southern-charm/
- https://www.calloways.com/white-christmas-caladium/#:~:text=White%20Christmas%20Caladium%20will%20grow,spaced%20approximately%2016%20inches%20apart.
- https://www.briansbotanicals.net/product/caladium-festivia/#:~:text=Description,forming%20a%20nice%20tight%20clump.
- https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/caladium-fiesta/p/27162-PK-5/
- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP369#:~:text=Description,18%20inches%20(Table%201).
- https://8billiontrees.com/gardening/caladium-plant/
- http://classiccaladiumsllc.com/varieties/white_majesty_caladiums.html
- https://jiffyplants.com/caladium-plant-hot-lips-ma-had-thai-elephant-ear/#:~:text=Height%3A%200.8%20ft%20to%201.3,in%205%20inches%20plastic%20Pot.
- https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/1/7/1745
- https://www.briansbotanicals.net/product/caladium-bicolor-rubicundum/#:~:text=Caladium%20bicolor%20(Rubicundum)%20is%20an,very%20warm%20and%20humid%20situation.
- https://www.carousell.sg/p/caladium-red-devil-import-quality-1069078368/