Rabbit's Ear Caladium

When planting caladiums in the garden, the ground should be kept moist at all times but not overly saturated to prevent root rot. To water a Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' houseplant, water generously, but let the top few inches of soil dry out in between watering cycles. Remember to empty out any excess water that collects in a saucer underneath the pot.

Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' thrives when provided with bright, indirect sunlight and does not survive well in a spot where it receives direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch and fade. The best spot for this plant is a bright, filtered light location in a bathroom or kitchen window. It can also tolerate lower light conditions, but the foliage may not grow as tall and the color may be less vibrant in a shaded spot.

Caladium plants do best in warm temperatures that fall between 75 to 85°F(24 to 29°C), but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F(13°C). If the plant is exposed to a draft or temps that continuously drop below 55°F(13°C), it can start to look withered and eventually die off.

Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' prefers a humid environment and needs it for optimal growth. To raise the humidity levels in your home, you can mist the leaves every few days, put a humidifier in the room or place the plant in a tray filled with rocks and water. Just make sure to not let the plant sit directly in the water.

To plant the Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' in a pot, use a well draining, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. Good soil options include soil that is formulated for African Violets or Roses—or you can make your own soil mix with two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost. Additionally, adding in a handful of sand will also help the soil drain better and prevent sogginess.

Fertilize your Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' twice a month with a weak liquid fertilizer solution (with a 1/2 strength dosage) during the growing season. Caladiums respond best to a fertilizer that has high levels of phosphorus and potassium and low levels nitrogen, such as an African Violet or Rose fertilizer. Stop fertilization during the winter when the foliage has died off as the plant will not be actively growing.

Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' can attract a few common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, spider mites and aphids. You can remove the pests by wiping them off or using insecticidal soap. The soap will need to be reapplied every few days until the pests are gone. It's important to also inspect nearby plants for pests to prevent infestations from spreading.

Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' grows best in a slightly confined space—it's best to repot with the same size container every spring at the start of the growing season. If your Caladium is filling out the pot too much, you can upgrade to the next pot size. Just keep in mind that the bigger the pot, the more water the plant needs. It's important not to over-pot this plant, as the roots can become soggy from collecting too much water.

When the Caladium starts to wilt and die back in the winter, you can prune off the dead foliage to make room for new, fresh foliage come spring. Prune the entire plant or individual leaves as needed to keep it looking tidy. Even if some of the leaves look healthy, it's important to prune them off in order to create a more balanced plant.

Mulching can add vital nutrients to the soil, help retain moisture, and prevent weeds from growing. The best mulch options for the Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' are organic materials such as wood chips, shredded bark, or compost. Spread the mulch around the base of the plant, but be sure not to pile more than 1-2 inches of mulch on top of the soil, as too much can cause root rot.

You can easily propagate your Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' houseplant through division. Wait until the plant is done flowering and has at least six leaves. Gently divide the stems with your hands or use a knife and repot the divisions in separate containers with the same soil. Place the new containers in a warm, bright spot and remember to water regularly.

As Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' grows taller, you may need to provide support so that the stem does not break or collapse under its own weight. Insert a stake into the pot and tie the tip of the stem to it with twine or a rubber band to gently support the plant as it grows.

Caladiums, including the Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear', typically enter a period of dormancy in the winter. During this time the foliage turns brown and starts to die back. Once the foliage has died off, the plant will be much smaller and require less water and nutrients during this period. Just remember to not repot the dormant plant, as it may cause it to go into shock.

Caladium 'Rabbit's Ear' is not toxic to cats or dogs, but its leaves can cause skin irritation due to the sap that they secrete.