- Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
- Mature Height 15 - 20 Inches
- Mature Spread 15 - 20 Inches
- Growing Zones 10 - 11
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
The Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' or Caladium hortulanum is all about foliage. The variegation changes as each of the heart-shaped leaves reach maturity but expect to see olive-green tones along the edges with splashes of cream throughout the center and deep pink or red veining. These leafy plants bloom in the spring and summer, but the flowers are somewhat insignificant, and these plants are prized for their foliage. Some gardeners remove the flowers to force the plant to push out more foliage.
This sizable plant can get up to 20 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, landscapes, and mass plantings. The Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' is right at home in high heat, so it will look lush and leafy during warm summer weather. Caladium comes from Central and South America, and it will live as a perennial in USDA zones 10 and 11. In other regions, the plant is grown as an annual.
Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' Plant Care
Caladium plants need sunlight to maintain their beautifully variegated leaves, but too much light can damage the foliage. The plant can be grown in full sun with careful monitoring, but the ideal spot will have partial shade. When in doubt, plants in the ground should have partial shade. Use slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2. The Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' requires consistently damp soil so water when the top layer of the soil feels moist. Keep the plant healthy and pushing out striking foliage by fertilizing once a month during the growing season. Potted Caladium plants will benefit from being fed every other week.
This plant does not require much pruning, and dead or damaged growth can be removed during the growing season or in the spring when new growth emerges. Bring the Caladium indoors, and the plant can overwinter as a houseplant. Select an inside spot with bright indirect light and high humidity. Water when the top layer of the soil is moist if the plant is actively growing. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out if the plant is dormant.
Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' Plant Spacing
The Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' is a lush and leafy plant that will be 15 to 20 inches tall and cover an area of about 10 to 14 inches. Plants in the ground should be spaced 10 to 14 inches apart. Plant 1 to 2 Caladium in a 12-inch container.
Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' Caladium Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 - 11 |
| Plant Type: Annuals |
| Light Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions) |
| Mature Height: 15 - 20 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 10 - 14 Inches |
| Spacing: 10 - 14 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Grown for Foliage |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous, Variegated |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Pink, Red, White |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: N/A |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Proven Winners |
| Common Name: Heart to Heart® 'Xplosion' Caladium |
| Other Name(s): Elephant Ear, Heart of Jesus, Angel Wings |
| Scientific Name: Caladium hortulanum USPP 31,570, Can PBRAF |
- SKU:
- CALXP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations