A tuberous-rooted perennial most often grown as an annual or a houseplant, ‘White Queen’ has large frosted-looking white leaves that have green margins and bright red veins that “bleed.” A great plant for full shade, it can also be grown in sun if provided with consistently moist soil. Greenish white flower spathes appear in spring and are followed by white berries, but the foliage is the main show. Its arrow-shaped leaves light up a dark spot and work well as bedding or in containers. It can also be grown as a houseplant, and tubers can be overwintered indoors.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsLarge white leaves with green margins and prominent red veining. Contact with the plant may cause skin irritation and stomach upset if ingested.
CareIn the garden, grow in moist but well-drained soil that is rich in humus and slightly acidic, in partial to full shade. If the soil hasn't warmed up yet, start tubers indoors. Lift for winter. As a houseplant, grow in a soilless mix in bright filtered light and high humidity.
PropagationDivide in spring and dust cut tubers with fungicide.
ProblemsTuber rot, Southern blight, leaf spot, root-knot nematodes. Aphids and spider mites can bother plants indoors.
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- Genus : Caladium
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Uses : Containers
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Flower Color : Green, White
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Bloom Time : Spring
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
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