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 (01/11/2026)

Yes, Caladiums Can Be Grown Indoors

Caladiums grow surprisingly well indoors when their basic needs are met, often outperforming expectations for a plant best known as an outdoor favorite. Many gardeners enjoy them as seasonal accents or keep them going through the Winter months as houseplants by providing steady warmth, adequate humidity, and bright, indirect light. Indoors, caladiums are commonly grown from tubers planted in containers or purchased as established nursery plants and styled in decorative pots where their foliage can really shine.

Caladiums Are Not Natural Houseplants

Although Caladiums adapt well to indoor conditions, they are not naturally houseplants. They are tropical perennials native to Central and South America, where they grow in warm, humid environments beneath filtered tree canopy light. Indoors, they perform best when treated as foliage plants rather than flowering houseplants. While blooms are not common, the dramatic leaf patterns more than make up for it, making Caladiums an excellent choice for brightening indoor spaces.

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 and Humidity

Water caladiums when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring water flows freely through the drainage holes. The soil should remain evenly moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to tuber rot, while underwatering causes stress and leaf drop. Maintaining humidity is just as important as proper watering. Pebble trays, humidifiers, or grouping plants together can help keep moisture levels high enough for healthy foliage.

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 When Growing Caladiums Indoors

While caladiums can thrive indoors, they are sensitive plants and will show signs of stress if conditions are off. Most issues stem from water imbalance, low humidity, or too much / too little sunlight. Recognizing these signs early helps prevent long-term damage.

Drooping or Yellowing Leaves

Drooping or yellowing leaves often indicate watering issues or low humidity. Overwatered plants may develop root or tuber rot, while underwatered plants dry out quickly in indoor air. Always check soil moisture before watering and ensure excess water drains away. Boost humidity during dry seasons and keep temperatures stable to prevent stress-related leaf drop.

Faded or Dull Leaf Color

Loss of vibrant color is usually linked to inadequate light. Caladiums grown in dim conditions may appear washed out and leggy. Move plants to a brighter location with filtered light or supplement with grow lights. Avoid placing them in direct sun, which can damage the foliage.

Sudden Leaf Drop and Dormancy

Sudden leaf drop often signals the onset of dormancy rather than disease. As light and warmth decrease, Caladiums naturally conserve energy by shedding foliage. Reduce watering and allow the plant to rest. Tubers stored properly will regrow once conditions improve.

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.