Caladium ‘Fiesta’

Breeding and parentage of Caladium ‘Fiesta’

‘Fiesta’ was bred in Florida by Zhanao Deng and Brent K. Harbaugh from a cross between ‘Florida Cardinal’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’.

The cross was made in 2003 and the cultivar was selected in 2005.

How to grow Caladium ‘Fiesta’

• Light: Give it bright filtered light. Once acclimated, it can also take a brighter position and some direct sun.
• Temperature: Keep it warm. Protect the leaves and tuber from cold draughts, cold window glass and other cold conditions.
• Water: When the plant is growing, water once the top of the mix begins to dry and the pot feels lighter. Water thoroughly and let the excess drain.
• Humidity: Keep it away from hot, dry air such as heating vents, and keep some airflow around the leaves.
• Potting mix: Use a loose, airy mix that drains freely and still holds some moisture.
• Feeding: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser while new leaves are growing, following the label.
• Rest: If the leaves yellow and die back, water less. Return to normal watering when new shoots appear.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot when the tubers crowd the pot or the mix becomes compacted. To propagate, divide a mature tuber so each piece has a healthy bud.
• Safety: Caladium tissue contains calcium oxalates that can irritate the mouth, skin and eyes. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling damaged tissue.

Common issues in Caladium ‘Fiesta’

• Leaves wilt while the pot stays heavy: Excess water around the roots can encourage rot. Inspect the roots and tuber. Cut away the rot with a clean tool until you reach firm, healthy tissue. Discard everything you remove, then improve the drainage.
• Soft spots develop on the tuber: Tuber rot can spread through damaged tissue. Separate the plant. If the damaged area is small, cut away the rot with a clean tool until you reach firm, healthy tissue. Discard everything you remove. Discard a heavily affected tuber.
• Pale, weak or distorted new growth: Inspect the roots, check whether the plant has been watered too often or too little, and check whether the plant has been cold and whether it has been fed recently.
• Fine scars, stippling or deformed leaves: Inspect for thrips, mites and other sap feeders. Separate an infested plant. If treatment is needed, use a product labelled for indoor ornamental plants and follow the label. Repeat treatment only as directed on the label.

Caladium ‘Fiesta’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Caladium: name and meaning

The genus name Caladium comes from Malay keladi, a word used for taro-like aroids.

Étienne Pierre Ventenat established the genus Caladium in 1800 in Magasin Encyclopédique, volume 4, page 463.