Caladium

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Caladium

A word of uncertain derivation, probably from kaladion, a cup. Nat. Ord. Aroidece.

Of this genus of tuberous-rooted plants there are many rare and beautiful species and varieties that rank high as ornamental foliage plants, useful mainly as green-house or rather hot-house plants, as they will not succeed well with a temperature below 60. They must be kept dormant from October to April, and should never be chilled when started to grow. Those found in the swamps of the River Amazon, in the province of Para, are pre-eminent for graceful growth, and for elegant and brilliant markings. All the species are easily propagated by division of the tuber, just as the growth begins. Introduced in 1828. The plant commonly known as Caladium esculentum does not belong to this genus, and will be described under Colocasia.