Garden Care Guide

Elephant Ear Caladium Care

Caladium sp.

A tropical tuberous plant grown for its showy, colorful and patterned leaves. During the growing period it needs a bright, humid environment and moist soil, and in winter a dry and warm rest period (dormancy).

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 5 °C / 41 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: None (the tuber is in its resting period).
  • General care: Store the tubers in dry peat or sawdust, above 15°C, in a dark and dry place.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the stored tubers once a month for rot or mold.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
February
  • Watering: None (the tuber is in its resting period).
  • General care: At the end of the month, prepare the tubers for planting. Obtain a pot and fresh soil.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the stored tubers and discard any that are soft or rotten.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
March
  • Watering: At the start of the month, after planting the tubers, lightly moisten the soil once. Water very sparingly until shoots emerge.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • General care: Plant the tubers 5 cm deep in fresh potting soil, with the shoot buds facing up. Place the pot in a warm (22-25°C) and bright spot.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the tubers before planting.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: Not needed. Fertilizing can begin at the end of the month.
  • General care: Protect the plant from direct sunlight, as its leaves may burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Excessively wet soil can rot the tuber.
May
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 15 days, apply a balanced NPK (20-20-20) liquid fertilizer at half strength (do not overfeed).
  • Pruning: Cut only yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of the stalk.
  • Plant protection: Check the undersides of the leaves for signs of spider mites.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for spider mites (webbing and wilting on the leaves) and mealybugs (cottony whiteness).
June
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 15 days, continue liquid fertilizing at half strength.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
  • Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites.
  • General care: Turn the pot regularly so the leaves grow evenly in every direction.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see leaf spot or scorch, protect from direct sun and increase ventilation.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 15 days, continue liquid fertilizing at half strength.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
  • Plant protection: Continue pest control.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Against the risk of root rot, make sure the drainage holes are open.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: At the start of the month, make the last fertilizer application and stop.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
  • General care: The plant gradually begins to enter dormancy.
September
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing completely.
  • Pruning: Keep cutting off yellowing and drying leaves.
  • General care: Allow the plant to enter dormancy naturally by dropping its leaves. This lets energy return to the tuber.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Pruning: Cut the stalks after all the leaves have dried.
  • General care: Keep the pot completely dry, or take the tuber out of the pot after all the leaves have dried.
  • Pests & diseases: If you lift the tuber, check whether it is rotten or damaged and get ready to store it in a dry place.
November
  • General care: If the tuber is in a pot, keep it in a dry and warm place (above 15°C). If you have taken it out, store it in dry peat or sawdust.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the stored tubers.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
December
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the stored tubers.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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