Heart Of Jesus
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(Caladium bicolor)
Heart Of Jesus (Caladium bicolor)
/
Peter Corbett
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Peter Corbett
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Peter Corbett | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: ptc24 | Publisher: Flickr
Summary
Caladium bicolor, commonly known as Heart of Jesus, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to tropical rainforests and riverbanks in Central and South America, particularly Brazil. It typically grows to a height of 15-35 inches (38-89 cm) with a similar spread. The plant is celebrated for its large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, white, pink, and red, often with contrasting veins and blotches, making it a visually striking addition to any garden or home.
Heart of Jesus is valued for its ornamental foliage, which can add a tropical flair to shaded garden areas, patios, or indoor spaces. It is a popular choice for container planting and as a bedding plant in warm climates. While it thrives in humid conditions with indirect light, it is also adaptable to indoor environments. The plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from frost. During the growing season, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote lush foliage. Potential problems include tuber rot and susceptibility to pests such as spider mites and aphids. It has been found to become invasive in tropical regions including Trinidad and Tobago, Guam, Micronesia, Palau, Hawaii, and the Philippines, where it displaces native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Heart of Jesus is valued for its ornamental foliage, which can add a tropical flair to shaded garden areas, patios, or indoor spaces. It is a popular choice for container planting and as a bedding plant in warm climates. While it thrives in humid conditions with indirect light, it is also adaptable to indoor environments. The plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from frost. During the growing season, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote lush foliage. Potential problems include tuber rot and susceptibility to pests such as spider mites and aphids. It has been found to become invasive in tropical regions including Trinidad and Tobago, Guam, Micronesia, Palau, Hawaii, and the Philippines, where it displaces native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical rainforests and riverbanks in Central and South America, particularly Brazil
Other Names
Common Names: Heart-Of-Jesus, Caladium, Fancy-Leaf Caladium, Angel-Wings, Elephant’s-Ear, Elefantenohr, Engelsflügel, Tinhorão, Kaladium, 칼라디움
Scientific Names: Caladium bicolor, Caladium hortulanum, Caladium lindenii, Cyrtospadix bicolor, Caladium sororium, Caladium ×hortulanum, Caladium bicolor f. argyrospilum, Caladium bicolor var. surinamense, Caladium bicolor f. chantinii
GBIF Accepted Name: Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent.