Caladium 'White Queen'

Caladium 'White Queen'

Caladium 'White Queen' has clear red veins across broad, heart-shaped white to pale leaves. A red central vein runs through each blade, with branching red veins spreading into the pale surface. The outline may appear pale to lightly green-edged depending on leaf age and growing conditions.

It grows from a tuber and sends up individual leaf stalks while conditions are warm. With filtered light, warmth and steady moisture, it can become medium-sized in pots. As the plant slows, reduce watering and let the tuber rest.

Caladium 'White Queen' red-veined leaves

• Fancy-leaf Caladium with broad, heart-shaped leaves.
• White to pale blades with a red central vein and branching red veins.
• Upright petioles rising from an underground tuber.
• Medium-sized pot plant in warm conditions.
• Best in bright filtered light, warmth and steady moisture while leaves are active.

Caladium 'White Queen' growth and rest

Each leaf grows on its own petiole from the tuber. The red veins stand out against the pale blade, and the plant becomes fuller as new petioles appear. Older leaves naturally yellow over time, especially as the plant approaches rest, and can be removed at the base once spent.

Fuller growth depends on tuber size, visible growing points, warmth and steady moisture. Keep the tuber warm and much drier during rest, then increase watering only once growth restarts.

Caladium 'White Queen' care routine

• Light: Give bright filtered light. Harsh direct sun through glass can mark the pale leaves.
• Water: Keep the mix evenly moist during active growth. Reduce watering once leaf production slows.
• Substrate: Use an open mix that holds light moisture but drains freely around the tuber.
• Drainage: Use a pot with drainage holes and empty standing water from decorative outer pots.
• Warmth: Keep warm, ideally around 21–29°C. Cold, wet substrate can damage the tuber and make it harder for the plant to take up water.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps reduce dry edges on the thin pale leaves.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth, then pause when the plant begins to slow.
• Dormancy: Keep the resting tuber warm and much drier than during active leaf growth.

Caladium 'White Queen' stress signs

• Brown marks or papery flecks: Usually linked to sun scorch, dry air or water sitting on leaves in poor airflow.
• Drooping despite wet substrate: Check root and tuber health; cold wet mix can make it harder for the plant to take up water.
• Thin, weak petioles: Often linked to too little light, low warmth or a slow tuber restart.
• Dry leaf edges: Stabilise watering and humidity, and move the plant away from dry heat sources.
• Late-season leaf collapse: This can be normal dormancy if the tuber remains firm.

Caladium 'White Queen' tuber division and flowers

Caladiums are usually restarted from firm tubers. Divided tuber sections need a visible growing point before they can grow. Flowering is possible, but the red-veined leaves are the main feature.

Caladium 'White Queen' safety

Keep Caladium 'White Queen' away from pets and children. If eaten, leaves, petioles or tuber tissue can irritate the mouth and stomach. Sap from cut parts may irritate sensitive skin.

Caladium 'White Queen' origin and name

Caladium is a tropical American aroid genus grown from underground tubers. The genus name is linked to Malay keladi. Caladium 'White Queen' is a widely grown white-and-red cultivar. 'White Queen' refers to its pale leaves and red veins.