How to Grow and Care for Caladium Florida Sweetheart

The Caladium ‘Florida Sweetheart’ is a plant known for its vibrant pink, lance-shaped leaves framed by a distinct green border. As a strap-leaf variety, it has a compact growth habit. This smaller stature makes it an excellent choice for container gardens, garden borders, or as a houseplant.

Caladium Florida Sweetheart Care

Light

To maintain its vibrant coloration, ‘Florida Sweetheart’ thrives in bright, indirect light. When planted outdoors, a location with partial to full shade is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. For indoor cultivation, placing the plant in a northern or eastern-facing window provides the appropriate amount of light without the harshness of direct sun.

Soil

‘Florida Sweetheart’ requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. A peat-based potting mix is recommended because it retains moisture while preventing waterlogged conditions that lead to tuber rot. The soil’s pH should be slightly acidic, falling within the 5.5 to 6.2 range.

Water

Consistent moisture is necessary throughout the growing season, and the soil should be kept evenly moist but not saturated. Before watering, check if the top inch of soil feels dry. Plants in containers, especially those kept outdoors, may require more frequent watering than those in garden beds.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical plant, ‘Florida Sweetheart’ prefers warm and humid conditions. Ideal daytime temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures above 60 degrees. For indoor plants, increase ambient moisture by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water or by using a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. Use a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio, as high nitrogen content can negatively affect leaf coloration. Avoid overfertilization, which can cause stretched petioles and brown spots on the leaves.

Planting and Sprouting Tubers

When preparing to plant, identify the top of the tuber where the “eyes” or growth buds are located. Planting the tuber with these eyes facing upward ensures a direct path for new shoots to emerge. Plant them about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. In containers, ensure the pot has good drainage. For garden planting, space the tubers 8 to 12 inches apart to give each plant room to develop.

After planting, water the soil thoroughly to settle it around the tuber and provide initial moisture. Keep the soil slightly damp as roots and sprouts form. It is important to wait until the weather is consistently warm before planting outdoors, as nighttime temperatures should stay at 65°F or warmer. Planting in cool soil can delay sprouting or cause the tubers to rot. It can take a few weeks for growth to appear.

Managing Seasonal Dormancy

Dormancy is triggered by cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours in autumn, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. This signals you to reduce watering, allowing the foliage to die back naturally. Once the leaves have withered, stop watering completely.

In regions with cold winters, tubers must be lifted from the ground to prevent freezing. This keeps the tubers healthy for replanting in the spring after the last frost. To prepare them for storage:

• Gently clean any remaining soil from the tubers.
• Allow them to air-dry for a few days in a shaded, well-ventilated area to prevent rot.
• Place the dry tubers in a breathable medium like peat moss or sawdust inside a paper bag or box.
• Store them in a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures remain between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common Problems

If you observe brown, crispy edges on the leaves, the cause is often low humidity or inconsistent watering. Ensuring the soil remains consistently moist and increasing ambient humidity can help alleviate this problem.

The vibrant pink color of the leaves may fade if the plant receives either too much direct sunlight or not enough light. Adjusting the plant’s location to provide the correct balance of bright, indirect light will restore the foliage’s color. Too much sun can cause the color to appear bleached, while too little light may lead to stretched petioles.

Pests such as spider mites and aphids can become a problem, particularly for indoor plants. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap spray can effectively control an infestation. Regular inspection of the leaves can help you address any pest issues before they become widespread.