Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’

Origin and botanical background of Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’

Wild Caladium species come from tropical America and occupy warm, wet vegetation. Their soft leaves are seasonal, appearing during the active part of the growth cycle.

Care through leafy growth and seasonal change

Repotting and watering

Repot when roots fill the container, the corm is crowded, drainage has slowed or the tall plant tips easily. Reduce water gradually, then keep the firm corm dry, airy and warm until shoots appear.

Light

Place this tall fancy-leaved cultivar in strong filtered light with a little distance from hot glass. It tolerates more sun than many caladiums, and an acclimated plant can take gentle morning sun.

Watering

Check the pot when the upper layer of the substrate is dry. Saturated substrate restricts oxygen around the corm.

Substrate and roots

Use a rich, porous substrate that re-wets evenly and releases excess water quickly. Keep the crown near the surface and match the soil volume to the corm and root ball.

Temperature

Active growth needs steady warmth. Cold glass, draughts, chilled floors and sudden changes are particularly damaging when the substrate is moist.

Fertilising

Feed a large, actively growing plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser at a modest dose occasionally while growth is active. Use a low-dose for small plants or fresh enriched substrate.

Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’ troubleshooting

Lime and cream splashes look like chlorosis

Irregular dark green, lime and creamy areas are the defining pattern of ‘Frog in a Blender’, and no two leaves need match. Stable colour that is present as a leaf opens is normal. True decline changes after hardening: watch for expanding yellow tissue, loss of firmness or browning that moves in from the edge.

Huge leaves crease or tear

The large fancy leaves are easily damaged by handling, strong airflow and repeated contact with furniture or glass. A clean crease or split on one otherwise firm leaf is mechanical and will not spread. Give the plant space and shelter; remove a leaf only if its petiole is broken or the blade is deteriorating.

The tall plant leans and droops

Check the pot before assuming the large leaves simply need support. A dry, light root ball points to thirst, while a wet pot with limp petioles points to cold stress or impaired roots. Water only in the first case; in the second, keep the pot warm, improve drainage and inspect the tuber if the base starts to soften.

Several leaves collapse from the crown

Seasonal decline is gradual and leaves a firm resting tuber. Sudden collapse from the base, especially in wet substrate, is not normal dormancy. Unpot promptly, remove soft tissue with a clean blade and retain only firm, clean tuber tissue.

Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’ 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.