Growing Caladiums Indoors

Prized for their bold, heart-shaped foliage and vibrant color patterns, Caladiums can instantly bring a tropical feel to any space. While they’re most often grown outdoors in garden beds or containers, they can also thrive indoors when given the right care and environment. Indoors, Caladiums are grown for their dramatic foliage, making them standout houseplants rather than flowering plants.

In their natural habitat, caladiums grow in warm, humid climates with dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopies. These same conditions can be replicated indoors by providing bright, indirect light, steady warmth, and consistent moisture. While indoor growth may be slower than outdoors, Caladiums can remain healthy, colorful, and visually impressive when their needs are met.

By: Reggie Meehan (1/13/2026) - Last Updated (2/6/2026)

Yes, Caladiums Can Be Grown Indoors

Caladiums can actually be quite rewarding indoors when you give them what they need. I’ve seen them perform beautifully as seasonal houseplants, and with a little attention, they can be carried right through the Winter months. Warm temperatures, consistent moisture, and bright, indirect light go a long way toward keeping the foliage full and colorful.

I like setting them in decorative pots where those bold leaves can really take center stage. Placed near a bright window but out of direct sun, they bring a soft, tropical feel to living spaces and make excellent accent plants when you want color without relying on blooms.

Caladiums Are Not Natural Houseplants

Even though caladiums can do quite well indoors, I always like to remind folks that they aren’t true houseplants by nature. They’re tropical perennials native to Central and South America, where they grow in warm, humid conditions beneath the filtered light of the forest canopy. When you bring them indoors, it helps to think of them as foliage plants first and foremost, not something you’re growing for flowers.

How to Grow Caladiums Indoors

Caladiums require a warm, steady environment to grow well indoors. Ideal temperatures range between 65–80°F (18–27°C), and plants should be protected from cold drafts, air vents, and sudden temperature swings. Because indoor air is often dry—especially during winter—humidity plays a major role in plant health. Using a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants together helps prevent leaf curling, browning edges, and premature leaf drop. Consistency is key, as Caladiums respond poorly to fluctuating conditions.

Light Requirements

Caladiums perform best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight, especially through windows, can scorch their thin leaves and cause fading or burn marks. On the other hand, insufficient light leads to dull coloration and slow, weak growth. The sweet spot is around 6 hours of filtered light each day. Grow lights can be used when natural light is limited, particularly in Winter months. Even sun-tolerant outdoor varieties should be protected from intense indoor sun exposure.

Container and Soil

Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture from collecting around the tubers. Caladiums are sensitive to soggy soil, so proper drainage is essential. A lightweight, well-draining potting mix works best. High-quality tropical or houseplant mixes are also good, or you can create your own by combining peat moss or coco coir with perlite and compost. This balance allows the soil to retain moisture while still draining efficiently.

Watering

When it comes to watering caladiums, I always tell people to let the plant guide you. I water once the top inch of soil feels dry, making sure excess water can drain freely from the bottom of the pot. Caladiums like evenly moist soil, but they absolutely do not like sitting in water—too much moisture can cause the tubers to rot, while letting them dry out too far can lead to stress and dropped leaves.

Humidity

Humidity matters just as much as watering, especially indoors. These plants are used to warm, humid air, so dry conditions can show up quickly as curled leaves or brown edges. I’ve had good results using pebble trays, grouping plants together, or running a small humidifier nearby. You don’t need jungle-level humidity—just enough to keep the foliage comfortable and happy.

Fertilizing

During active growth—typically from Spring through late Summer—feed Caladiums every three to four weeks with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. A general-purpose formula such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 works well. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can burn leaves and encourage weak, overly soft growth. Fertilization should be paused once the plant begins to slow down or enter dormancy.

Dormancy Indoors

Caladiums naturally enter dormancy as daylight hours shorten in the Winter. Leaves will yellow, fade, and eventually die back—this is a normal part of their life cycle. When this happens, gradually reduce watering and allow the plant to rest. Tubers can remain in their pots and be stored in a warm, dry area, or they can be removed, cleaned, and stored like bulbs until spring. Growth will resume once warmth and light return.

Common Problems Growing Caladiums Indoors

Caladiums can grow beautifully indoors, but they’re quick to let you know when something isn’t quite right. Most problems I see trace back to a few common issues The good news is that once you learn to read the signs, caladiums usually bounce back without much trouble.

Drooping or Yellowing Leaves

When leaves start to droop or turn yellow, the first thing I look at is moisture. Too much water can lead to tuber or root rot, while letting the soil dry out too far causes stress just as quickly, especially indoors where air tends to be dry. I always recommend checking the soil before watering and making sure the pot drains freely.

Low humidity can also play a role, particularly during winter or in rooms with heating vents nearby. Increasing humidity, keeping temperatures steady, and avoiding sudden changes in light or airflow usually clears things up. Once those conditions are corrected, healthy new leaves often follow right behind.

Faded or Dull Leaf Color

When Caladium leaves start losing their vibrancy, light is usually the culprit. In spaces that are too dim, the colors can look muted and the plant may stretch as it reaches for brighter conditions. I’ve found that moving Caladiums closer to a window with bright, filtered light often brings the color right back. If natural light is limited, a grow light can help fill the gap. Just be careful with direct sun—too much can scorch the leaves and undo all that progress.

Sudden Leaf Drop and Dormancy

Sudden leaf drop can be alarming, but it isn’t always a problem. In many cases, it’s simply Caladiums doing what they’re programmed to do—enter dormancy. As days shorten and temperatures cool, the plant begins to conserve energy by letting go of its foliage. When that happens, I gradually cut back on watering and allow the tubers to rest.

Use These Tips to Enjoy Caladiums Indoors!

Caladiums can be grown indoors successfully and make stunning foliage plants when given the right conditions. Whether enjoyed seasonally or maintained year after year, they add bold color and tropical character to indoor spaces. With proper light, warmth, humidity, and patience through dormancy, Caladiums reward indoor growers with dramatic, eye-catching leaves that truly stand out.