Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’

Cultivated name of Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’

This Caladium is grown under the name ‘Frog in a Blender’.

Caring for Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’

• Light: Give it bright filtered light. Gentle morning or evening sun can be introduced gradually.
• 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.

How to troubleshoot Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’

• Sudden drooping while the roots stay wet: Root or tuber rot may be developing. Inspect the roots and tuber. Cut away the rot with a clean tool until you reach firm, healthy tissue. Discard everything you remove, then replant in fresh, well-drained mix.
• Brown or translucent patches after a temperature drop: Cold can damage the leaves. Move the plant to a warm position and keep new growth away from cold glass or draughts.
• Patchy yellowing or weak growth: Check whether the potting mix is staying wet for too long, whether the roots are firm and healthy, and whether the plant has been fed recently.
• Silver streaks, fine stippling or webbing: Inspect the leaf undersides for thrips or mites. Separate the affected plant. If treatment is needed, use a product or biological control intended for indoor ornamental plants and follow the directions. Repeat only as directed.

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.