Caladium Scarlet Flame is a compact, cultivar ofCaladiumhortulanum, valued for its vivid red foliage accented with pink and white speckling and bordered by bright green margins. The narrow, heart-shaped leaves emerge upright and stay relatively small, typically growing to around 4050cm in height and 2025cm in spread. Its growth habit is clumping and low, making it suitable for table-top containers or tight spaces indoors.
Native to tropical regions of South and Central America, particularly Brazil, where wild Caladium species inhabit warm, shaded forest understories. As a cultivated hybrid, Scarlet Flame has been selected for its tolerance of varying light levels and distinctive colouring, with new leaves unfolding a rich red tone that deepens with maturity.
Native to: Tropical South and Central America, especially Brazil.
Water: Keep the substrate consistently moist during active growth. Allow the top 1/4 of the pot to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during dormancy if the plant begins to drop leaves.
Light: Prefers bright filtered light. Can tolerate partial shade but leaf colouration is most vibrant under bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun indoors, which may cause scorching.
Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity. Aim for 60% or higher. If humidity exceeds 70%, this cultivar is also suitable for terrarium cultivation due to its compact size and leaf form.
Temperature: Performs best at 2027C. Keep above 18C indoors and avoid cold drafts. Growth slows significantly in cooler temperatures and dormancy may occur below 15C.
