Caladium ‘Va Va Violet’

Breeding and parentage of Caladium ‘Va Va Violet’

‘Va Va Violet’ was bred in Florida by Robert Dale Hartman from a cross between ‘Carolyn Whorton’ and ‘Gingerland’.

The cross was made in 2010 and the cultivar was selected in 2011.

Care for Caladium ‘Va Va Violet’ indoors

• 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.

Managing problems with Caladium ‘Va Va Violet’

• Wilting while the potting mix stays saturated: Root 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 improve the drainage.
• Water-soaked spots that turn brown: Bacterial leaf disease is one possible cause. Separate the plant, use clean tools, remove badly affected leaves and keep the foliage drier when watering.
• Yellowing or weak new leaves: Check whether the potting mix is staying too wet or drying out too much, inspect the roots, and check recent feeding.
• Fine scars, stippling or webbing: Inspect the leaf undersides for thrips and mites. Keep the plant separate while treating the infestation. 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 ‘Va Va Violet’ 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: where the name comes 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.