Caladium ‘Burgundy’ – Plant Description

Caladium ‘Burgundy’ is a bold and richly coloured foliage plant, admired for its dramatic, jewel-toned leaves. Part of the Araceae family and native to South America, caladiums are celebrated worldwide for their ornamental value, producing colourful foliage from underground tubers during the warmer months.

This cultivar stands out with its deep burgundy to wine-red leaves, often with darker veining and subtle green or bronze margins. The heart-shaped leaves are thin, delicate, and slightly translucent when backlit, enhancing the richness of their colour. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of vibrant foliage that brings warmth and tropical elegance to any display.

Typically growing to 40–60 cm in height, Caladium ‘Burgundy’ is perfect for brightening shaded indoor corners, patios, or garden beds. Its rich tones make it a dramatic accent plant, especially when paired with lighter or contrasting foliage varieties.

Caladium ‘Burgundy’ – Care Guide

Light

Prefers bright, indirect light indoors. Outdoors, thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid strong direct sun, which can scorch the thin, dark leaves.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist in the growing season (spring through early autumn). Water thoroughly when the top layer feels dry, but never allow the plant to sit in water. In dormancy, reduce watering significantly, keeping tubers almost dry until regrowth in spring.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Ideal range is 18–26°C. Do not expose to prolonged temperatures below 15°C.

• Humidity: High humidity is essential for lush foliage. Mist regularly or use a humidifier to prevent crisping at the edges.

Soil and Potting

Use a rich, well-draining peat-free compost mixed with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Plant tubers shallowly in spring, just beneath the soil surface. Repot annually to refresh the mix and encourage healthy growth.

Feeding

Feed every 2–3 weeks during the active season with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Avoid feeding during dormancy.

Growth and Dormancy

• Growth: Forms clumps of rich, burgundy-coloured, heart-shaped leaves.

• Dormancy: Leaves naturally die back in autumn. Tubers should be stored in their pot with minimal water, or lifted and kept in a cool, dry place until replanting in spring.

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove fading or damaged leaves as they decline. Allow leaves to wither naturally before cutting, as nutrients are reabsorbed into the tuber.

Common Issues

• Crisping edges: Caused by low humidity or irregular watering.

• Yellowing leaves: Often due to overwatering or poorly draining soil.

• Pests: Can occasionally attract thrips, aphids, or spider mites. Inspect foliage regularly.

Background and Benefits

Caladiums have been admired since the 18th century for their foliage rather than their flowers. Caladium ‘Burgundy’ is especially valued for its dramatic, velvety wine-coloured leaves, offering a rich and exotic touch to interior design and shaded garden spaces.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect indoors; partial/full shade outdoors

• Water: Keep moist in growing season; reduce in dormancy

• Temperature: 18–26°C; protect from cold below 15°C

• Humidity: High; mist or humidify

• Soil: Rich, free-draining mix

• Feed: Every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer

• Growth: 40–60 cm tall; heart-shaped burgundy leaves