Heart to Heart® 'Mesmerized' Sun or Shade Caladium Caladium hortulanum
Exposure
- Sun or Shade
Flower Season
- Spring
- Summer
Mature Size
Height: 15" - 20"
Spread: 10" - 14"
Height: 38cm - 51cm
Spread: 25cm - 36cm
-
15 - 20 Inches10 - 14 Inches10 - 14 Inches38cm - 51cm25cm - 36cm25cm - 36cm
Features
'Mesmerized' is a Fancy Red form with contrasting colors in green, chartreuse and orange-red, making it a striking red caladium plant. Sun or shade caladiums are also generally considered to be houseplants where they prefer bright light or a sunny window. Caladiums can be an irritant if ingested. The ASPCA has more information on which plants may be harmful.
Foliage InterestHeat TolerantDeadheading Not NecessaryResists:DeerCharacteristics
Plant Type:AnnualHeight Category:MediumGarden Height:15 - 20 Inches 38cm - 51cmSpacing:10 - 14 Inches 25cm - 36cmSpread:10 - 14 Inches 25cm - 36cmFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Colors:OrangeFoliage Colors:RedFoliage Shade:Contrasting Colors in Green, Chartreuse and Orange-redHabit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Sun or ShadeThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:Grown for FoliageHardiness Zones:10a, 10b, 11a, 11bWater Category:AverageUses:Border PlantUses:ContainerUses:LandscapeUses:Mass PlantingUses Notes:Great in landscapes and containers and will grow well in sunny and shaded locations. Its bold foliage makes it a standout red caladium plant for decorative plantings.
Maintenance Notes:Caladiums can be an irritant if ingested. The ASPCA has more information on which plants may be harmful.
Since Caladiums prefer heat and humidity and do not tolerate cold, soggy soils, for most gardeners who live in the north will have best results growing this sun or shade caladium in containers. Soil in pots or planters warms up faster and drains better, which benefits this heat tolerant caladium. Remember for best growth always keep the temperatures above 65 F. A ¼ - ½ strength fertilizing every week or every other week is fine throughout the season, too strong a fertilizer can burn leaves, and since the leaves last all season you want to keep them looking fresh. Caladiums like to be moist at all times, so avoid allowing them to dry out to keep this colorful red caladium plant looking its best.
Where the Caladiums will do best depends a lot on your location within the US, since sunlight intensity varies depending on where you live. Here’s a quick reference to help guide you to help you succeed.
Region
When to Plant
Sun or Shade
Containers or in the garden
NW & NE United States & Canada
Early summer
Full sun - light shade.
Caladiums do best in containers in this part of the country and usually need to be in a protected warm location for best results. Like a sunroom or warm patio setting. If growing outdoors select the warmest protected locations in the garden.
SW United States
Spring
shade to light shade only
Containers may be easiest but a shady, cool garden spot can also be lovely. Watch your watering to keep the plants from drying out.
Midwest
Late Spring
Light shade
Containers are likely best, but a late spring planting into a protected shade flower bed will also be fine.
SE United States
Spring
Shade to sun
Both containers and garden plantings work fine, in the deep south Caladiums may even come back the following year if kept dry over the winter.
Heart to Heart® 'Mesmerized' Caladium hortulanum USPP 29,545 -
514321Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.
-
Ruby Atif, Ontario, Canada, 4 years ago
-
Professional Growing Information 
