Caladium — 22 species

Caladium is a tropical genus grown almost entirely for its striking, paper-thin foliage in a palette of reds, pinks, whites, and greens — cultivars such as Carolyn Whorton, Thai Beauty, and Puppy Love are prime examples. As understory plants, caladiums prefer bright indirect light; direct sun scorches the leaves. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season and allow tubers to dry and go dormant in winter. All Caladium species are toxic to cats and dogs; calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant cause intense oral burning, excessive drooling, and vomiting.