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(Caladium bicolor)
Heart Of Jesus (Caladium bicolor)
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Peter Corbett
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Peter Corbett
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Peter Corbett | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: ptc24 | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Caladium bicolor, commonly known as Heart of Jesus, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to tropical rainforests and riverbanks in Central and South America, particularly Brazil. It typically grows to a height of 15-35 inches (38-89 cm) with a similar spread. The plant is celebrated for its large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, white, pink, and red, often with contrasting veins and blotches, making it a visually striking addition to any garden or home.
Heart of Jesus is valued for its ornamental foliage, which can add a tropical flair to shaded garden areas, patios, or indoor spaces. It is a popular choice for container planting and as a bedding plant in warm climates. While it thrives in humid conditions with indirect light, it is also adaptable to indoor environments. The plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from frost. During the growing season, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote lush foliage. Potential problems include tuber rot if overwatered and susceptibility to pests such as spider mites and aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0
Heart of Jesus is valued for its ornamental foliage, which can add a tropical flair to shaded garden areas, patios, or indoor spaces. It is a popular choice for container planting and as a bedding plant in warm climates. While it thrives in humid conditions with indirect light, it is also adaptable to indoor environments. The plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from frost. During the growing season, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote lush foliage. Potential problems include tuber rot if overwatered and susceptibility to pests such as spider mites and aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical rainforests and riverbanks in Central and South America, particularly Brazil
Other Names
Common Names: Heart-Of-Jesus, Caladium, Fancy-Leaf Caladium, Angel-Wings, Elephant’s-Ear, Elefantenohr, Engelsflügel, Tinhorão, Kaladium, 칼라디움
Scientific Names: , Caladium bicolor, Caladium hortulanum, Caladium lindenii, Cyrtospadix bicolor, Caladium sororium, Caladium ×hortulanum, Caladium bicolor f. argyrospilum, Caladium bicolor var. surinamense, Caladium bicolor f. chantinii
GBIF Accepted Name: Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent.