Heart to Heart® Mesmerized Caladium

The Heart to Heart® collection of Caladiums is ideal for brightening up an existing garden border or container planting. Heart to Heart® Mesmerized has incredible red and green variegation on its graceful heart-shaped leaves. The natural fountain shape and ease of care make Caladiums the final flourish for any seasonal mixed-color planting. Caladium x hortulatum is considered perennial in USDA zones 10-11 and only survives the winter in dry and hot climates. Luckily, Caladiums make lovely and easy-care houseplants during the winter months.  

Caladiums love warm weather and should be planted out when the nighttime temperatures are reliably over 55 degrees F. In some parts of the United States, this may be as late as the beginning of June. The upright and weeping habit makes Caladium a perfect thriller plant in a smaller mixed planter or a natural spiller/filler plant in a larger garden border. Few pests plague Caladiums, although slugs and snails may be an issue as new growth is emerging. Planting Caladiums at a larger size ensures minimal gastropod damage. 

Heart to Heart© Mesmerized Caladium Care

Heart to Heart® Mesmerized Caladium grows well in full shade to full sun. Protection from the hottest part of the day will help to keep the foliage vibrant and less likely to burn. Caladiums grow best in well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Fertilize at the time of planting with a granular slow-release feed that has a balanced NPK ratio. Cut back older stems as they turn brown to keep plants looking neat and to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Water well but sparingly. Overwatering tuberous perennials quickly leads to root rot and compromises overall plant health. 

The best way to overwinter the plants at the end of summer is to pot them or store them as a dry tuber. To pot them, use fresh potting mix before nighttime temperatures drop to 50 degrees F. Bring the plants indoors and place them in bright light; a southwest or southeast-facing window is best. Water sparingly every 7-10 days and let the excess water drain fully. Do not fertilize until new growth appears during the longer days of spring. A diluted liquid seaweed or fish emulsion applied at half the recommended strength is plenty to spur new growth. 

Heart to Heart® Mesmerized Caladium Spacing

Although Caladiums are considered seasonal annuals in most areas, they can be planted in the summer landscape and grown over the winter as a houseplant. Space plants 10-12 inches apart in a garden bed. Pot Caladiums in a container 2-3 inches larger than the root ball.

Heart to Heart® Mesmerized Caladium Information