Caladium ‘Pure White’ – Plant Description

Caladium ‘Pure White’ is an elegant foliage plant from the Araceae family, prized for its crisp white leaves and subtle green veining. Native to South America, particularly the tropical rainforests of Brazil, caladiums have long been cultivated for their striking ornamental foliage.

This cultivar is particularly distinctive for its large, heart-shaped leaves in a pure, luminous white, delicately outlined with fine green margins and veins. The effect is both bold and refined – a fresh, light presence that brightens shaded corners and contrasts beautifully with darker-leaved plants. Each leaf is paper-thin yet graceful, giving the plant a soft, ethereal appearance.

Compact in form, Caladium ‘Pure White’ typically grows 40–60 cm tall, forming a clump of elegant foliage from its underground tubers. Whether grown indoors as a decorative houseplant, in shaded patios, or as part of a tropical display, it brings sophistication and freshness to any setting.

Caladium ‘Pure White’ – Care Guide

Light

Best in bright, indirect light. Outdoors, grow in partial to full shade. Direct sun should be avoided, as it can scorch the delicate white foliage.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season (spring to early autumn). Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil begins to dry, but avoid waterlogging. During winter dormancy, reduce watering almost completely, resuming when new shoots emerge in spring.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Thrives in 18–26°C. Sensitive to cold – avoid exposure below 15°C.

• Humidity: Requires high humidity for best results. Mist regularly, group with other tropical plants, or use a humidifier to keep leaves healthy and prevent browning edges.

Soil and Potting

Use a rich, well-draining peat-free compost, ideally with added perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration. Plant tubers just below the soil surface in spring. Repot annually to refresh the soil.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Do not feed in dormancy.

Growth and Dormancy

• Growth: Produces striking, all-white heart-shaped leaves from tubers during spring and summer.

• Dormancy: Leaves die back naturally in autumn. Store tubers in their pot with minimal moisture, or lift and store in a cool, dry place until spring.

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove fading or yellowing leaves as they decline, but only once they have begun to wither, as the tuber reabsorbs nutrients from the old foliage.

Common Issues

• Crisp edges: Often due to low humidity or inconsistent watering.

• Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

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

Background and Benefits

Caladiums have been grown as ornamental plants since the 18th century, admired for their bold foliage rather than their modest flowers. Caladium ‘Pure White’ offers one of the most refined looks in the group, bringing brightness and elegance to shaded interiors and gardens. Its fresh white leaves make it especially popular in modern homes where clean lines and light tones dominate.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect indoors; shade outdoors

• Water: Keep evenly moist in growth; reduce in dormancy

• Temperature: 18–26°C; avoid below 15°C

• Humidity: High; mist or use humidifier

• Soil: Rich, free-draining mix

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

• Growth: 40–60 cm tall; crisp white heart-shaped leaves with fine green veining