Florida Moonlight Caladium
Caladium 'Florida Moonlight'
Florida Moonlight
About this plant
Caladium 'Florida Moonlight' is a popular ornamental plant known for its large, heart-shaped leaves with bright lime green centers and creamy white margins. It adds a tropical look to gardens and indoor spaces. The plant is grown mainly for its striking foliage rather than flowers.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Caladium
- Family
- Araceae
- Higher classification
- Order: Alismatales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Brazil, South America (native region of Caladium genus)
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide, especially in the southern United States and warm climates.
Care
- Light preference
- Partial shade
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, North-facing, Northeast-facing, Northwest-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–7 days
- Humidity
- High
- Minimum
- 15 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 21-29 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining potting soil rich in organic matter
Watering. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering during dormancy in cooler months.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Caladium 'Florida Moonlight' is a tropical plant that prefers warm, humid conditions and indirect light. It needs regular watering but should not sit in water to avoid root rot. It may go dormant in cooler months and requires moderate care to keep healthy.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Division
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Large, heart-shaped leaves with bright lime green centers and creamy white edges; attractive foliage color contrast.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
All parts of the plant are mildly toxic if ingested and can cause irritation. Keep away from children and pets.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Caladium 'Florida Moonlight' may cause mild skin irritation for some people due to its sap. Avoid touching the sap and wash your hands if you do. It is not known to cause serious allergic reactions.
Common problems
Overwatering can cause root rot; too much direct sunlight may scorch the leaves; pests like spider mites and aphids can occasionally appear.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its colorful foliage in gardens, patios, and indoor spaces.
Notes
Prune dead leaves to encourage new growth. Repot every 1-2 years if grown indoors. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C (59°F).