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Moonlight Caladium is a stunning variety of caladium known for its luminous, white, heart-shaped leaves with subtle green veining. This tropical plant is perfect for adding elegance to indoor spaces or shaded outdoor gardens. Despite its delicate appearance, Moonlight Caladium is relatively easy to care for when provided with the right environment. Here's how to keep your Moonlight Caladium thriving.
Moonlight Caladium thrives in bright, indirect light. Indoors, place it near an east- or north-facing window where it can receive filtered sunlight. Outdoors, it prefers partial to full shade, as direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. If grown indoors, avoid placing it in harsh, direct sunlight to maintain the vibrancy of its foliage.
This tropical plant loves consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged soil. Water your Moonlight Caladium when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce your watering in the fall and winter when the plant enters dormancy.
Moonlight Caladium thrives in well-draining, rich soil. Use a potting mix with good aeration, such as one designed for tropical plants. Adding perlite or sand to the soil can improve drainage. If planting outdoors, ensure the soil is fertile and well-draining.
As a tropical plant, Moonlight Caladium prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and high humidity. It is not frost-tolerant, so bring it indoors if temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C). To increase humidity indoors, mist the plant regularly or place it near a humidifier.
Feed Moonlight Caladium with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing your plant, as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil.
Pruning is minimal for Moonlight Caladium. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy. Cutting back the foliage in the fall can help the plant conserve energy during dormancy.
Moonlight Caladium typically goes dormant in the fall or winter. During this time, the leaves may die back. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during dormancy. If growing indoors, you can leave the tubers in the pot, keeping the soil barely moist. For outdoor plants, dig up the tubers, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
Propagate Moonlight Caladium through tuber division. In early spring, before new growth begins, carefully dig up the tubers and divide them, ensuring each piece has at least one "eye" or growth point. Plant the divided tubers in fresh, well-draining soil and water lightly until new growth appears.
Moonlight Caladium is toxic to pets if ingested, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and digestive system. Keep it out of reach of pets and children to ensure their safety.