Angel Wings
Caladium bicolor
Also known as
Two Coloured Caladium, Heart Of Jesus, Elephant Ear, Fancy-Leaved Caladium, Olifantsoor (Afr.), Angel's wings
Starr 071024-9740 Caladium bicolor by Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)
Full Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Angel Wings
Angel Wings Overview
Caladium bicolor likes to be in medium light, out of indirect sunlight and kept in high humidity, moist but not damp. The plant Caladium bicolor has been used to breed over 1000 cultivars with striking, often brightly coloured, arrow-shaped foliage. This plant grows well under the shaded canopies of forests in warm climates. It is also found growing along river banks and goes dormant during the dry season. Popularly grown as a houseplant, it is favoured for the striking arrow-shaped foliage.
Common problems with Angel Wings
This species has a constant battle with hornworms (Hawk moth caterpillar) and cutworms. The best method to control them is to remove them by hand and to keep monitoring them regularly. Other problems that occur with this species is tuber rot and southern blight. Plant in a well-draining soil to prevent fungal infections.
How to harvest Angel Wings
Harvest fruit/ seeds after flowering period and sow immediately as the seeds don't store very well.
How to propagate Angel Wings
Seed
Red seeds with a fleshy seed coat emerge after pollination. The seeds are extremely viable and will germinate after two weeks after sowing immediately. Remember to remove the fleshy seed coat before sowing the seeds as the seed coat inhibits germination.
Division
Division of the tubers during the dormant summer months.
Tubers
Special features of Angel Wings
Wet sites
Great for waterlogged areas as it requires a lot of water in warm climates.
Pot plant
Great indoor plant when placed in a medium to large sized pot. Perfect for the bathroom's windowsill during cold winters.
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Angel Wings
Indoor pot plant
