Caladium bicolor

Caladium bicolor, also known as Heart of Jesus, Angel Wings, or Elephant Ear, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It is native to South America and Central America, but is now cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant.

Description

Caladium bicolor is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 40–90 cm. The leaves are large and broad, shaped like a heart or an arrowhead. They are often brightly colored with various combinations of green, white, pink, and red. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, typically hidden by the leaves.

Cultivation

Caladium bicolor is grown for its striking foliage. It prefers a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant is usually grown from tubers, which are planted in the spring after the last frost. The leaves die back in the fall, and the tubers can be dug up and stored for the winter in colder climates.

Uses

In addition to its use as an ornamental plant, Caladium bicolor is also used in traditional medicine in some cultures. However, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and can cause irritation if touched.

See also

• List of Caladium cultivars
• Araceae
• Houseplant