Caladiums
reached a height of popularity in the USA before World War II, when
at least a thousand cultivars were listed. There has been debate as
to whether the wild parents all belong to the South American
Caladium bicolor in the broad sense, or whether they included
several species (in which case many of the cultivars should
correctly be treated as C. X hortulanum).
Their leaves are typically arrowhead-shaped but some cultivars have
narrower leaves, wedge-shaped at the base.
Color varies from plain green with a red or pink center to intricate
combinations of green, white, pink and red, usually with dark green
veining.
Plants reach 12-15 in (30-38 cm) high. |