Caladiums, native to the tropical forests of South and Central America, are celebrated for their dramatic, paper-thin foliage. The Caladium 'Red Ruffle' is a striking cultivar that infuses indoor spaces with intensely pigmented, heart-shaped leaves adorned with ruffled borders. Cultivated through state-of-the-art tissue culture, this Jiffy-sized starter plant boasts superior structural vigor and disease resistance.
🌟 Overview
Introduce a burst of rich color into your botanical collection with the Caladium Red Ruffle. Developed via advanced tissue culture, this resilient starter plant delivers exceptional vitality from day one. Its distinctive ruffled, heart-shaped leaves showcase deep crimson centers framed by vibrant green margins, making it a standout ornamental statement.
☀️ Light Requirements
To maintain its vivid, contrasting leaf colors, position this Caladium in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight or dappled shade. Avoid exposing its delicate, paper-thin foliage to direct afternoon sun, which can easily scorch the colorful leaves.
💧 Water Requirements
Caladiums thrive in consistently moist but well-aerated soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the potting medium feels dry. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent soggy roots and fungal issues.
📏 Size & Growth
This Jiffy-sized tissue culture starter plant is ready for transition and typically grows to a height of 20 to 30 cm inside the home. Its compact ruffled growth habit is perfect for tabletops and terrariums.
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Botanical Name: Caladium bicolor
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Size: Jiffy-sized starter plug (approx. 20-30 cm height)
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Foliage Type: Ruffled, heart-shaped crimson and green leaves
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Weight: Approximately 0.05 kg
🌍 Origin & Characteristics
Originating from the tropical rainforests of South America, this stunning aroid is commonly referred to as 'Heart of Jesus' or 'Angel Wings'. Its highly stylized ruffled margins are unique to this cultivar, offering structural interest and dramatic color contrast.
📇 Toxicity & Safety Warning
Like all members of the Araceae family, the Caladium Red Ruffle contains calcium oxalate crystals. This plant is toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and humans if ingested, and may cause mouth and throat irritation. Keep out of reach of curious animals and children.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of a tissue culture (TC) Caladium?
A: Tissue culture plants are grown in sterile laboratory conditions, ensuring they are free from pests, diseases, and systemic pathogens while offering superior growth vigor and genetic consistency.
Q: How do I transplant this Jiffy-sized starter?
A: Gently place the Jiffy plug directly into a small pot filled with a rich, well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Do not remove the outer netting of the Jiffy plug as roots will easily grow through it.
Q: Why are my Caladium leaves drooping?
A: Drooping foliage is typically caused by insufficient humidity or underwatering. Ensure the air humidity remains above 60% and keep the soil evenly moist.