Caladium ‘Red Flash’ – Foliage Plants

Caladium ‘Red Flash’ is an attractive, tuberous perennial that grows up to 60-90 cm tall and 60 cm wide. It has showy, large heart-shaped, dark green leaves are painted with vibrant red veining and a splattering of pink freckles. It is a great choice for any place where you want a splash of bright color. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Toxic to dogs and cats.

Scientific classification:

Family: Araceae
Genus: Caladium
Scientific Name: Caladium bicolor ‘Red Flash’
Synonyms: Caladium bicolor
Common Names: Caladium ‘Red Flash’, Caladium, Fancy-Leafed Caladium

How to grow and maintain Caladium ‘Red Flash’:

Light:
It thrives best in bright indirect sunlight but not direct sunlight that will scorch and damage the leaves.

Soil:
It prefers to grow in moist but well-drained, fertile, humusy, organically rich, acidic soils.

Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Temperature:
It prefers an ideal room temperature of 65°F – 75°F / 18°C – 24°C and no lower than 60ºF (15ºC).

Fertilizer:
Fertilize the Caladium ‘Red Flash’ plant weekly during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer or use slow-release pellets.

Propagation:
Caladium can be easily propagated by division of tubers in spring. When dividing a tuber make sure at least one growing eye is available, so a stem can start to grow. It can also be propagated by seed.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Aphids and spider mites can be possible problems.