If you have a caladium plant and it is not growing, you may be wondering why. This blog post will discuss some of the most common reasons that caladium plants fail to grow, as well as some tips for how to make them thrive.

Why Is My Caladium Not Growing?

Your caladium is not growing because it isn’t receiving the correct amount of the following:

1. Water
2. Sunlight
3. Fertilizer (nutrients)

There’s also the case of incorrect temperature and humidity. I will now go more in-depth into each of these factors.

Water

If your caladium plant is not growing, it probably means that you aren’t watering it enough. Caladiums should be watered at least once or twice a week, especially during the growing season.

Too much water can lead to root rot and fungal disease, which will cause brown spots on your caladium. Underwatering can cause your caladium to droop.

You can test if the plant needs more water by sticking your finger about one inch into the soil. If it’s dry, then you should water it more often until the soil feels moist all of the time (but not soaked). Failure to do this may result in yellow caladium leaves.

Sunlight

Caladiums need a lot of sunlight to grow and thrive. Make sure that they are somewhere where they can get as much natural light as possible for at least six hours every day: on a patio, porch, or in an open window.

You can also use artificial lighting to provide extra light to your caladium. I do this on nearly all of my house plants in winter. It helps to keep them alive when the days are dark and cold.

Fertilizer (nutrients)

Plants need nutrients from fertilizer to grow well and produce flowers and leaves. When growing caladium indoors, use special indoor plant food once per month during spring, summer, and fall. I like using MiracleGro, which is one of the best on the market.

In fact, using a fertilizer can help your plant grow faster and bigger! This is especially true if your soil is currently low on nutrients that the plant is begging for.

During winter, it’s okay to stop using fertilizer until springtime. During this time your caladium plant will need less water and nutrients because its growth cycle is slowing down for colder weather.

Temperature & Humidity

The temperature that you keep your indoor plants at also affects their ability to grow well. Always ensure that they are kept in an area where the temperatures are between 65°F-75°F (18°C-24°C). This can be accomplished by moving them closer or further away from a heating/cooling source like vents, fireplaces, radiators, etc…

Additionally, make sure there is enough humidity around them so they don’t dry out too much (too little humidity can also cause your plant to fail to grow). Try keeping a humidifier nearby or adding a humidity tray to the pot and misting them every week.

FAQ

How much sunlight does a caladium need to grow well in the winter months?

They will need at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow well in winter.

Will grow lights help my caladium to grow?

Yes, grow lights are great for giving your plant some supplemental light, which helps your caladium plant to grow. However, be careful about keeping the lights too close for too long. If you notice any browning on your leaves (burning), then move them further away from the light source or try using a less intense bulb.

What is the best fertilizer for caladiums?

As I mentioned before, MiracleGro is one of my favorite fertilizers because it has an all-in-one formula that’s designed specifically for house plants and indoor gardening. Its main ingredients are water-soluble nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and micronutrients, as well as added calcium.

Are caladiums slow-growing?

It takes a while for caladiums to get going when they are first planted into soil. They tend to grow more quickly once they are established. But that’s okay, as it allows you to enjoy the growing process and watch them grow from a bulb into a beautiful plant.

When should I stop fertilizing my caladium?

You can stop feeding your plants during winter when they are going through their rest period and the days are shorter. Be careful not to overfeed because this will cause leaves that aren’t as big or colorful as you would like them to be.

Where do caladiums grow best?

Caladium plants grow best in gardens that offer plenty of sunlight, but shade during the hottest time of the day.

Are caladiums easy to grow?

Yes, caladiums are easy to grow. Just make sure that they have plenty of sunlight and water, as well as a little bit of fertilizer during the growing season each year.

How do you make caladiums grow faster?

Caladiums love hot weather, so give them plenty of sunlight to make them grow faster. You should also consider if there is anything else the plant needs that it is not currently getting, like iron from a good fertilizer.

Can caladiums be grown in containers?

Yes, caladiums grow well in containers because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for. It’s completely up to you whether you choose to grow your caladium in a garden bed with other plants or in their own container.

Do caladiums come back every year?

yes, in warm climates caladiums are considered perennials.

How do you prevent powdery mildew on caladium plants?

Powdery mildew can be prevented by making sure that your plant has strong airflow and is not overcrowded with other plants or moist foliage. Additionally, make sure it gets plenty of light (six hours per day) during the spring/summer months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your caladium isn’t growing because it’s not receiving the correct amount of water, sunlight, fertilizer (nutrients), and temperature.

Simply follow the care tips in this blog post to ensure that your caladium plant can grow and thrive. It may also pay to check your plant for pests, as they have been known to leave holes in caladium leaves!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!