- 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 Know 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 Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 1 year old
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 year old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 year old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 3-4 year 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 Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
