Caladium ‘Purple Light’

Breeding origin of Caladium ‘Purple Light’

‘Purple Light’ is a cultivated Caladium bred by Zhongshan Brighten Floriculture Co., Ltd. in China.

Keeping Caladium ‘Purple Light’ healthy

• 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.

Recognising problems in Caladium ‘Purple Light’

• Soft roots or a collapsing clump: Prolonged saturation can lead to root and tuber 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 replant in fresh, well-drained mix.
• Brown or translucent patches after cold exposure: Chilling can damage tender Caladium leaves. Move the plant to a warm position and protect new leaves from cold air and cold window glass.
• Faded colour, yellowing or malformed leaves: Inspect the roots, check whether the plant has been watered too often or too little, and check recent feeding.
• Fine scars, speckles or webbing: Inspect for thrips, mites and other sap feeders. Separate the 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 ‘Purple Light’ 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.

Where does the name Caladium come from?

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.