Photo: Nativeplants garden · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Caladium Leaf
Caladium leaf is a painterly heart-shaped blade splashed with pink, red, white and green veining, giving it the nickname angel wings. Native to the Amazon, it brings extraordinary colour to tropical designs where most foliage stays plain green. Florists use it as a decorative accent leaf in bouquets, editorial pieces and low arrangements where its markings can be admired up close. It is delicate and short-lived once cut, so it rewards careful handling and warm conditions.
| Family | Araceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tropical South America (Amazon basin, Brazil) |
| Peak season | May, June, July, August, September |
| Availability | April, May, June, July, August, September, October |
| Stem length | 20–45 cm |
| Vase life | 5–10 days |
| Colors | variegated, pink, red, green, white |
| Price tier | mid |
Recut the soft, hollow petiole under water and place in a clean shallow vessel — caladium leaves wilt quickly if left dry. Handle the papery, heart-shaped blades gently, as they bruise and tear at the slightest crease. Keep warm and above 12C; these leaves are extremely chill-sensitive and collapse into translucent patches if refrigerated. Keep out of direct sun and mist lightly to prolong the delicate colour.
- •Recut the hollow petiole under water
- •Never refrigerate — keep well above 12C
- •Handle blades gently to avoid bruising
- •Keep out of direct sun and heat
- •Mist lightly and use fresh
- •Best featured in low, protected designs
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- Angel Wings
- Also known as
- angel wings, elephant ear, heart of Jesus, Alocasia rex, Alocasia roezlii, Arum bicolor, Arum pellucidum, Arum pulchrum, Arum vermitoxicum, Caladium albicans, Caladium albopunctatissimum, Caladium amabile
- Distribution
- Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Caribbean, Colombia, Costa Rica
- Uses
- medicinal plant
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Caladium Leaf in season?
Caladium Leaf peaks in May, June, July, August, September, and florists can usually source it April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Caladium Leaf last in a vase?
Expect 5–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Caladium Leaf?
Good substitutes for Caladium Leaf include Monstera Leaf, Fatsia Leaf, Aspidistra. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Caladium Leaf symbolise?
Caladium Leaf is associated with delight, joy, artistry, warmth.
How do you care for cut Caladium Leaf?
Recut the hollow petiole under water
Related flowers
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Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Caladium Leaf”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/caladium-leaf/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/caladium-leaf/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Caladium Leaf</a>