Caladium 'Kelly' – Tropical Elegance with Pink and White Foliage


Looking for a houseplant that turns heads? Caladium 'Kelly' features luminous white leaves splashed with delicate pink speckles and deep green veins. This compact aroid is perfect for brightening shaded rooms, shelves, or summer patios with tropical color. Reaching up to 60 cm in height, it forms full, bushy clumps and thrives with minimal effort if kept warm and humid.
 
● What Sets Caladium 'Kelly' Apart


Foliage Pattern: Bright white leaf base with soft pink flecks and contrasting green veins.
Leaf Shape: Broad, heart- to arrow-shaped leaves with a semi-translucent texture.
Size and Habit: Compact clumper, ideal for pots, tabletops, or grouped displays.
 
● Botanical Background and Origin


'Kelly' is a cultivated variety bred from the Caladium bicolor complex, originally native to tropical lowland rainforests in Brazil and northern South America. These wild ancestors grow beneath forest canopies in warm, shaded, and humid conditions with organically rich soils. 'Kelly' inherits this lineage but was selected specifically for its ornamental patterning and compact size.
 
● How to Grow Caladium 'Kelly' Indoors


Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist; water when the top 10 – 15% are dry. Never allow standing water.
Humidity: Needs >60% to thrive. use a humidifier if the air is dry.
Temperature: Best range: 18 – 25 °C. Growth stops below 16 °C.
Soil: Use an airy, peat-free mix with coconut fiber, bark, and perlite for drainage.
Feeding: Every 3 – 4 weeks during the growing season with a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer.
Dormancy: In cooler months or lower light, the plant goes dormant. Stop watering, let the foliage die back, and store the tuber dry at 15 – 18 °C until spring.
 
● Propagation and Hydro Options


Tuber Division: Propagate during dormancy by cutting tubers, ensuring each piece has a visible growth eye.
Semi-Hydroponics: Adapts well to passive hydro systems with stable warmth and airflow.
 
● Common Issues and How to Fix Them


Spider Mites or Mealybugs: Wipe off and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Yellow Leaves: Often caused by soggy soil or low nutrients — check both.
Brown Tips: A result of low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Leggy Growth: Increase indirect light and rotate the pot weekly.
Tuber Rot: Prevent by storing dry, unwatered tubers at stable temperatures during dormancy.
 
● Botanical Classification


Caladium Vent. (1800) is a genus in the Araceae family. Most ornamental varieties, including 'Kelly', trace back to Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent., first described from Brazilian collections. The cultivar ‘Kelly’ is a nursery name with no official publication record, likely selected for its crisp color contrast.
 
● Quick Tips for Healthy Growth


Don’t mist leaves directly — raise humidity at air or root level instead.
Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root and tuber rot.
Rotate weekly for even light exposure and compact growth.
 
● FAQs About Caladium 'Kelly'


Can I grow it outdoors? Yes, during warm months above 16 °C. Bring it inside before night temperatures drop.
Is it safe for pets? No – like all Caladiums, it contains calcium oxalate and is toxic if ingested.
Why are the leaves wilting? Check for dry soil, low humidity, or sudden temperature drops.
Can it be propagated in water? No. Division of tubers is the only reliable method.
 
● Bring Home Caladium 'Kelly' – Bright Color, Zero Fuss


Ready to add a tropical focal point to your space? Caladium 'Kelly' delivers standout foliage with minimal upkeep. Order now and enjoy its vibrant display all season long!