Caladiums are a stunning addition to a patio, especially if you're after vibrant colour and lush foliage. Known for their striking, heart-shaped leaves in shades of pink, red, green, and white, caladiums thrive in warm, humid conditions with indirect light or partial shade — perfect for brightening up a sheltered outdoor space.
Caladiums are typically grown as annuals or seasonal patio plants, as they’re very sensitive to cold. They don’t tolerate temperatures below about 15°C, so they should only be kept outdoors in late spring and summer. Once the weather cools, the bulbs can either be lifted, dried, and stored indoors for the winter, or the whole plant can be brought inside to a warm, bright spot.
They do well in containers with good drainage and need regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. With their bold foliage, caladiums are ideal for pots, mixed planters, or even as a colourful border for a shaded patio corner.