2 Bulbs Caladium Fancy Leaf 'Cranberry Star', Angel Wings, Elephant's Ears

Cranberry Star is a spotted white Fancy Leaf caladium variety. These shade to partial sun-loving caladium bulbs or tubers are great for adding easy color to your late spring and summer plantings. Cranberry Star is considered medium in height (1.5 ft). Cranberry Star caladium bulbs are tropical foliage plants that are easy to grow in landscaping, pots and planters. Cranberry Star caladiums have medium-sized bright white leaves with crisp green veins and a thin green margin.

Small red spots or freckles dapple the leaves. White caladiums make beautiful accents against other green foliage and brighten the dark, shaded areas of your landscaping. Caladium bulbs originated in the Amazon Basin, which is why they require and thrive in the warm summer day and night temperatures. Caladiums are from the Araceae family and mix well with other annuals, Hosta’s, ferns, and foliage.

Bright white leaf with a thin margin, crisp green veins, and red spots. Medium-size plant, growing 12 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, with brightly colored large flame red leaves with a green border. Excellent when used as a border or in mass. Leaves resemble Elephant Ears. Prefers moist, rich soil.

Greenhouse Growing Instructions: Maintain temperature above 70°F even at night. For best results, water should also be 60-70°F, keep evenly moist at all times. Moderate light levels are optimal and no fertilizer is necessary. Generally, finish in 8-10 weeks based on growing conditions.

Transplanting Instructions: Use well-draining potting soil with high organic content. If planting in 4 or 6" pots this variety can be "de-eyed" to increase leaf count and uniformity. Place bulbs flat side down with eyes facing up and cover bulbs with 1.5-2" of soil. Water well.

Fancy leaf caladiums require loose, slightly acidic soil for good root growth and are heavy feeders. Before planting, dig in plenty of peat or pine bark to take care of the first two requirements and add a good dose (1 tbs/plant) of 10-10-10 fertilizer. Plant your tubers 2 to 8 inches (5-20 cm.) apart, depending on size. A fancy leaf caladium’s tubers need warm, about 70 degrees F. (21 C.) soil to grow. If the soil is too cool, the bulbs tend to rot.

In order to thrive, the soil conditions should mimic the soil that “angel wings” grow in their native environment; rich, moist, and well-draining. For the best results, mix a form of organic matter into the soil, such as compost.

USDA Zone: 3-10
Climate: Tropical Wet
Common Name: Elephant Ear
Season of Interest: Spring, Summer
Type: Bulbs
Life Cycle: Perennial
Watering: Medium
Genus: Caladium
Sunlight: Partial Shade
Features: Dwarf
Cultivating Difficulty: Very Easy