Dragon Heart Caladium

Dragon Heart is grown for colorful heart-shaped foliage. Garden caladiums alternate leafy growth from an underground storage organ with a resting period. [1]

Start in bright indirect light indoors or a sheltered, partly shaded outdoor position. Caladium sun tolerance varies by cultivar; a red or pink leaf does not by itself call for stronger sun. [1]

During active leafy growth, maintain even moisture. Check the surface and root zone before watering, then wet the mix and let it drain. Avoid both a dried-out root ball and a permanently saturated pot. [1]

When the plant gradually finishes its leafy season, reduce watering as the leaves fade. Once dormant, keep the resting pot dry; resume cautiously when new growth begins. Sudden collapse in wet soil needs inspection for rot. [2]

Use fertile, organic-rich potting mix that holds moisture while draining freely. Choose a container with holes, and shelter fragile leaves from strong wind or repeated handling. [3]

Warmth matters, particularly when restarting a tuber. Wait for warm conditions near 70°F (21°C) before starting growth; cold, wet mix encourages rot. Protect foliage from frost and cold drafts. [1]

Provide humid room air during growth. A clean humidifier can help in a dry room; maintain air movement rather than sealing a leafy plant in still, wet conditions. [5]

Feed regularly while producing leaves, using a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer at its labeled rate. Excess nitrogen can reduce the intended color display. [2]

Keep fertilizer off foliage, account for nutrients already in the mix, and stop routine feeding during dormancy. Do not feed a cold, collapsing or rotting plant. [6][3]

Remove spent foliage carefully with clean tools. Preserve healthy leaves; pruning does not reliably create a chosen color pattern. [3]

Gradual seasonal yellowing can mark dormancy. Sudden drooping in cold, wet mix, especially with a soft tuber, points toward damage instead: correct conditions and seek advice if tissue continues to soften. [3]

Scorched patches: review strong sun, dry roots and fertilizer contact. Torn leaves: inspect wind exposure and handling. Keep conditions steady and judge improvement from new leaves rather than expecting old damage to disappear. [3][1]

A leafy caladium can rest indoors after its display. Let foliage finish, keep the dormant pot dry and above 55°F (13°C), and restart with warmth and new growth. Do not force watering merely because spring has arrived. [2]

Fancy-leaved caladiums have broad hearts; lance-leaved types are narrower. Names such as elephant ear also cover other genera, so keep the botanical label. [1]