foliage
DecorativeCaladium (Angel Wings)
Caladium bicolor
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
The caladium is grown for its large, paper-thin leaves splashed in pink, red, white and green, and it grows from a tuber that goes dormant each year. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
About Caladium (Angel Wings)
The caladium (Caladium bicolor) comes from tropical South America and is grown for its large, paper-thin leaves splashed in pink, red, white, and green. It grows from a tuber that goes dormant each year, reaching 30 to 50 cm on slender stalks during the growing season. The bold colour earns it a spot in a small space, and a 3-litre pot is enough, though its yearly rest means it is not an always-on plant.
During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist and the air warm and humid. Bright indirect light brings out the strongest leaf colour. When it naturally dies back, let the tuber rest dry and warm, then restart it for the next season. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
What it’s like to grow
Caladium takes a little understanding rather than being hard. Its biggest surprise is the seasonal die-back, which is normal dormancy and not the plant failing, so do not keep watering a bare pot. Drooping or scorched leaves come from dry air, cold, or direct sun. Give it even moisture, warmth, humidity, and bright indirect light while it is growing. It is toxic to cats and dogs. A rewarding pick for someone willing to follow its dormant-and-restart cycle.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Caladium (Angel Wings) →
Tips
- Keep the soil evenly moist and the air warm and humid during the growing season.
- Bright, indirect light brings out the strongest leaf colour.
- It naturally dies back; let the tuber rest dry and warm, then restart it.
Common problems
- Leaves dying back, which is normal dormancy rather than death.
- Drooping or scorched leaves from dry air, cold, or direct sun.
Common questions
Is Caladium (Angel Wings) toxic to cats and dogs?
Caladium (Angel Wings) is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Caladium (Angel Wings) need?
Caladium (Angel Wings) does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Caladium (Angel Wings)?
Water Caladium (Angel Wings) when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Caladium (Angel Wings) need?
Caladium (Angel Wings) is happiest around 18–29 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 15 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Caladium (Angel Wings) need high humidity?
Caladium (Angel Wings) prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
Can I grow Caladium (Angel Wings) without a sunny window?
Yes. Caladium (Angel Wings) does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Caladium (Angel Wings) get?
A clumping plant ~0.3–0.5 m tall, with heart-shaped, brightly patterned leaves on slender stalks.
How do I propagate Caladium (Angel Wings)?
Divide the dormant tuber into sections, each with a growth bud, and replant them.
What pests affect Caladium (Angel Wings)?
Watch for aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Caladium (Angel Wings) easy to grow?
Caladium (Angel Wings) is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Caladium (Angel Wings)
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Nativeplants garden, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.