Caladium Dart Frog Plant Care Tips

Caladium Dart Frog Lighting & Position

Caladium come from the tropical forests environments, so they thrive in a warm, humid and well lit position with indirect light. Keep them away from open windows, drafts and heating/cooling units as they are very sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

Caladiums are a seasonal plant. They grow their striking foliage on long slender stems that emerge in spring when the ambient overnight temperatures are above 20c. The foliage dies back toward the end of autumn when the weather is cooling down. Early dieback may be triggered in a cold snap or if exposed to a cold draught. 

Caladium Dart Frog Watering

It’s important to keep up a regular watering routine. In summer you want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To monitor this, you can use your finger to poke into the top 5 cm of potting mix and feel the soil moisture level before watering. If it feels particularly wet, let it dry out for longer. Over watering can lead to fungal issues or root rot. As caladiums grow from a tuber, they are sensitive to waterlogging and rot. Try watering once a week, using just enough water to start to see some draining from the bottom of the pot. As with all plants, drainage is essential. Ensure that whatever vessel your plant is in, there are sufficient holes in the bottom to allow excess water to freely drain from the pot and away from the plant’s roots. 

During winter, when the plant has died down to the tuber, cease watering and store the tuber in a pot in soil or wood shavings. 

Caladium Dart Frog Humidity

Caladium loves a high humidity environment. Some tips for increasing humidity include grouping plants together, placing pots on a pebble tray or – if you want to go all out – buy a small humidifier online and place it in amongst your rainforest friends! 

N.b. misting with a spray bottle will only improve humidity temporarily, and if done excessively can lead to fungal issues. Misting is most effective as part of your leaf cleaning routine (mist and then gently wipe leaves with a cloth to clear away dust from the leaf surface)

Caladium Dart Frog Fertiliser

Feed with liquid fertiliser fortnightly over the warm, growing period and not at all over the cooler winter months.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Caladium Dart Frog Extra Tips

Once a month you can wipe down the plants leaves using a damp cloth to clean away any dust that has collected and may be preventing the leaves from breathing. You can also prune off any damaged or dying leaves using a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs.

Caladium Dart Frog Toxicity

 This plant is toxic if ingested for both humans and animals so keep it away from kids or your furry friends!

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