Caladium 'Casey' – Vibrant Indoor Foliage for Shaded Corners
Caladium 'Casey' is a compact tropical foliage plant that instantly transforms shaded rooms, patios, or balconies with its bold color play. The heart- to arrow-shaped leaves blend vivid pink centers with soft white accents and rich green margins—making it one of the most eye-catching caladium cultivars available. Whether you're styling a shelf, a summer container, or a leafy nook indoors, 'Casey' delivers high-impact visuals with surprisingly low maintenance.


Striking Leaf Traits of Caladium 'Casey'


 
Color Pattern: Pink central zones with irregular white speckles and defined dark green edges.
 
Leaf Form: Smooth-edged, arrow- to heart-shaped leaves with a glossy surface.
 
Growth Habit: Upright, compact clumping – perfect for tabletop pots or mixed foliage displays.


Hybrid Background and Wild Relatives


'Casey' is a cultivated selection derived from the Caladium bicolor complex, native to lowland rainforest regions of Brazil and surrounding parts of northern South America. These wild forms thrive in warm, shaded understories with consistently high humidity and nutrient-rich soils. Though 'Casey' doesn’t occur in nature, it carries the vibrant genetic legacy of its tropical relatives.


How to Care for Caladium 'Casey'


 
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Protect from direct sun to avoid scorching.
 
Water: Keep soil lightly moist. Let the top 2–3 cm dry out before watering again.
 
Humidity: Needs at least 70% humidity. Use a humidifier or pebble tray indoors.
 
Temperature: Ideal range: 18–27 °C. Growth slows below 16 °C and triggers dormancy.
 
Soil: Use a loose, well-aerated mix with coconut fiber, bark, and perlite – peat-free preferred.
 
Feeding: Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growth with a balanced, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer.
 
Dormancy: As light or warmth drops, foliage will die back. Let the soil dry, lift the tuber, and store in a dry, dark place at 15–18 °C. Replant in spring – soaking the tuber is optional if shriveled.


What to Watch Out For


 
Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check substrate and frequency.
 
Root Rot: Prevent with breathable pots and fast-draining mix.
 
Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids may appear in dry air. Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
 
Crispy Edges: Linked to dry air or sunburn – raise humidity and adjust lighting.


Taxonomy and Botanical Info


Caladium Vent. (1800) belongs to the Araceae family. Most ornamental hybrids like 'Casey' descend from Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent., described from Brazilian specimens. The cultivar name ‘Casey’ is nursery-assigned; its breeding history is unrecorded but likely part of early U.S. hybridization programs.


Answers to Common Questions


 
Is Caladium 'Casey' safe for pets? No – all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if ingested.
 
What happens in winter? The plant goes dormant. Let leaves die back, remove and store the tuber, then replant in spring.
 
Can it grow outside? Yes, during warm months above 16 °C. Use containers and bring indoors before the first frost.


Bring Home Caladium 'Casey' – Bold Foliage with Minimal Fuss


Add a pop of tropical pink and green to your plant collection with Caladium 'Casey'. Order now and enjoy this compact hybrid’s vivid display all season long!