Caladium ‘Xplosion’ is an explosive burst of colour and contrast, living up to its name with vividly patterned foliage that demands attention. Its large, heart-shaped leaves showcase a dramatic blend of hot pink centres, dark green margins, and random white or pale splashes, creating the illusion of a painted firework or ink splatter across each leaf.

As part of the Fancy Leaf Caladium group, ‘Xplosion’ brings a tropical flair to indoor displays and shaded summer gardens alike. It grows from a tuber, producing a dense, upright clump of colourful foliage during the warmer months before entering dormancy in winter. Ideal for pots, borders, or brightening up shaded corners indoors.

📝 Key Features

• Botanical Name: Caladium bicolor ‘Xplosion’

• Common Names: Caladium ‘Xplosion’, Fancy Leaf Caladium

• Family: Araceae

• Foliage: Large heart-shaped leaves with hot pink centres, green edges, and white/pale flecks

• Growth Habit: Upright clump from tuber

• Mature Size: 35–60 cm tall and wide

• Seasonality: Spring to autumn growth; dormant in winter

🌱 Caladium ‘Xplosion’ Care Guide

💡 Light:

• Indoors: Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid colours. Too little light can reduce contrast, while harsh sun can scorch the leaves.

• Outdoors: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it perfect for sheltered patios or underplanting.

Direct sun may cause leaf burn, especially on paler sections.

💧 Watering:

Water consistently during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry.

• Avoid waterlogging and ensure pots have drainage.

• As the plant begins to enter dormancy in autumn, gradually reduce watering.

Yellowing leaves may signal overwatering or the beginning of dormancy.

🌡 Temperature & Humidity:

• Temperature: 18–30°C is ideal. Keep above 12°C at all times.

• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60%+). Dry air can cause leaf edges to crisp.

Ways to boost humidity:

• Mist regularly

• Use a pebble tray or humidifier

• Group with other tropical plants

🌿 Soil & Repotting:

Use a lightweight, well-draining mix, such as:

• Peat-free compost or coco coir

• Perlite or fine orchid bark

Repot in early spring once signs of new growth appear. Choose a shallow pot with good drainage.

🍽 Feeding:

Feed every 2–4 weeks during active growth with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Choose a formulation high in potassium to enhance colour development.

Stop feeding during dormancy.

🍂 Dormancy Care:

• As autumn approaches, growth will slow and leaves may yellow and die back.

• Reduce watering until the soil is completely dry.

• Lift and store the tubers in a cool, dry place (like dry coir or perlite) or leave in the pot until spring.

• Replant or resume watering in spring when temperatures rise and new shoots appear.

✂️ Maintenance:

• Remove faded or yellow leaves to encourage fresh growth and prevent rot.

• No pruning required beyond seasonal tidy-up.

🐾 Pet Safety:

⚠️ Toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that may cause oral irritation. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

🛒 Why Choose Caladium ‘Xplosion’?

• Unmissable colour impact – hot pink, green, and white splashes

• Perfect for shaded areas indoors or outdoors

• Compact and upright – ideal for patio pots, tabletops, or grouped displays

• Seasonal joy – bursts into life each spring, rests in winter

• Great for collectors of rare and vibrant foliage plants

Add an artistic flair to your plant collection with the dramatic, painterly foliage of Caladium ‘Xplosion’. It’s the perfect centrepiece for anyone who loves bold colour and texture in a compact form.