Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during the dormant period in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Also known as Dwarf Caladium · Elephant Ear
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Caladium humboldtii, a small caladium species, features delicate, heart-shaped leaves with striking patterns, ideal for shaded gardens and containers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Dappled shade is ideal.
Keep soil consistently moist
75% intensity
Allow top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in dormancy.
Well-draining, humus-rich soil
50% intensity
Warm temperatures
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 21-30°C. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring to summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Toxic if ingested
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during the dormant period in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Remove any yellowing or dead leaves as they appear to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and direct energy towards healthy growth. Trim away spent flower stalks if present, though Caladiums are primarily grown for their foliage and flowers are often insignificant.
Caladium humboldtii can be propagated by dividing the tubers during repotting. Ensure each division has at least one eye or growing point.
Plant the divisions in well-draining potting mix and keep them warm and moist until new growth emerges.
Repot your Caladium humboldtii annually or every other year in the spring, or when the tubers have filled the pot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.
This is also an ideal time to divide tubers.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Caladium Humboldtii (Caladium humboldtii)
Where Caladium Humboldtii (Caladium humboldtii) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Caladium |
| Species | Caladium humboldtii |
Similar in genus Caladium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data