Caladium smaragdinum

This tropical aroid is a tuberous plant native to the wet tropical biomes, growing at elevations between 500 and 1000 meters. It is celebrated for its vivid foliage and compact growth habit.

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch the leaves and cause color fading.
• Temperature: This tropical plant is warm-growing. Maintain consistent temperatures in the range of 68-86°F (20-30°C). It is intolerant of cold temperatures, especially below 60°F (15°C).
• Humidity: High humidity is crucial, ideally 60% or higher. Low humidity can cause the leaf edges to brown and crisp.
• Watering: Water moderately and consistently during the active growing season, keeping the soil damp but never soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Drastically reduce or stop watering during the dormancy period.

Additional Notes

This is a compact species within the Caladium genus. It is particularly noted for its leaves, which are typically a vivid emerald green with a smooth texture, lacking the prominent variegation found in many hybrids.