Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
CALADIUM 'Fantasy'
Plant Common Name
Angel Wings, Fancy-leaved Caladium, Fantasy Caladium
General Description
Caladiums are tuberous tropical perennials grown for their colorful leaves. The fancy-leaved hybrid 'Fantasy' has white heart-shaped leaves with magenta veins and fine green netting. The relatively short-stalked leaves arise directly from the rounded tuber, forming a compact clump. This is one of many caladium cultivars introduced by the University of Florida.
All caladiums thrive in warm, fertile, moist soil with good drainage. The roundish tubers rot in cool damp soil. Fancy-leaved cultivars such as 'Fantasy' require some shade to protect their leaves from sun scorch (in contrast, strap-leaved hybrids have narrower, more sun-tolerant foliage). Plants go dormant in prolonged dry weather, but are nearly evergreen where conditions remain warm and moist year-round.
Caladiums are perfect for brightening shady areas and combining with blooming plants. Where hardy, use them as garden accents, or mass them as showy ground covers. In temperate zones tubers can be dug in fall and stored in a dry airy place until spring, or potted plants can be over-wintered indoors. Removing the tuber's main bud before planting results in leafier, denser growth.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Red, Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Red, Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Red, Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Red, Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
