Description

• Caladium bicolor, commonly known as heart of Jesus or fancy-leaved caladium, is a tuberous perennial plant in the arum family (Araceae). It is prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which display striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red, often with contrasting veins or patches. The plant grows from an underground tuber and produces small flowers on a typical arum-family spadix surrounded by a spathe. All parts contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if eaten.

Range

• Caladium bicolor is native to tropical South America, particularly Brazil, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental throughout tropical and subtropical regions. It is cultivated in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• In its native range, this plant grows in warm, humid tropical environments, often in partially shaded forest habitats with moist, well-drained soil. In cultivation, it thrives in filtered light or partial shade and requires warmth and adequate moisture during active growth. Its colourful foliage makes it popular in gardens, shaded beds, and containers.