The different varieties of caladium offer mauves, pinks, deep reds, and dark greens, to name a few, in their summer displays of color.
In addition, the broad, beautiful leaves of these plants make gorgeous backdrops for other plantings in your landscape.
All plants have companions. Whether that companionship is based on their symbiotic relationship, their shape, or the fact that they like the same places to grow depends on the plant.
For example, you can plant caladium with flowers of contrasting colors or a companion plant’s ability to ward off insects.
Caladium will grow to its full potential and needs filtered sunshine, with midday shade, so that your plant’s leaves do not burn.
Considering this fact, you need to choose plants to go with your caladium based on that need and the fact that caladium likes well-drained soil.
Read on to learn what to plant with caladium that will make your flower gardens stand out.
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What to Plant with Caladium?
Flowering plants such as begonia, impatiens, and coleus will grow well with caladium as they like the same soil type. In addition, marigolds, chrysanthemums, petunias, lemongrass, and mint, will add color and insect control. Some caladium varieties can reach almost 3 feet in height, so keep that in mind so that your plantings don’t completely shade out neighboring plants.
Plant Caladium with Flowering Plants
Flowering plants combine well with caladium, and begonias, impatiens, and hydrangeas have showy flowers and like the same conditions as caladium.
Used as a backdrop for these plants or in groupings, they will add a lot of color to your landscape.
There are many variants of caladiums with colors from light green and cream to flaming reds, pinks, mauves, and darker greens.
Plant these with each other for a colorful display in your flower gardens or as companions to other plants whose colors contrast with your caladium.
Flowers that will go well with your caladiums also include sedum, oxalis, clematis, and sultana. Any flower that can live in the same environment as caladium can be added to your flowerbeds.
Again, be sure you know the size of the plants you are putting in the ground and then them all if they get too bushy for the area in which they are located.
Plants that Ward Off Insects
Very hardy plants, caladium can break out with an infestation of aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites in the right conditions. One way to combat this problem is by planting catnip with your plants to repel aphids and other insects.
Marigolds, with their lovely flowers, can repel whiteflies, aphids, and mosquitoes. So not only will you get their pest repelling quality, you will be blessed with a bounty of lovely blooms.
Many of the herbs we grow have pest repellent qualities, like the marigold, and include petunias, chrysanthemums, lemongrass, and citronella grass.
Whether you are planting these with your caladiums or elsewhere in your yards, companion plants will help keep insects at bay wherever you add them to your landscape.
Blending herbs and grasses with your caladium will also add visual appeal to your plantings. Use your imagination and experiment if you have to.
Hedges that Need Accents
Caladiums planted with your hedges will fill out space and add a contrasting visual appeal. Varieties of caladium that are low growing will fit in fine with border hedges.
If you would like a contrast of heights and colors, plant hostas with your caladium as they, too, like ample sunshine mixed with mid-day shade. Hostas, like caladium, come in a variety of colors, including red, gold, white, and green.
Like caladium, hostas come in varying sizes that range from a small two to three inches to four feet tall. As with any plant you put with your caladium, make sure taller plants are behind shorter ones and not over-shading them.
Caladium by itself or with herbal companions can be interspersed with hedgerows.
They can help keep insects from your caladium and your other plants. Many of them also smell very nice.
What to Plant with Caladium in Pots
Caladiums do as well in pots as they do in your flowerbeds. And having them in pots will allow you to place them in your yard for the best light.
Just as with your garden, you can plant salvia, petunias, begonias, and impatiens with your potted caladium. Y0u can create beautiful color combinations, as you would in a larger outside space.
Remember that some caladium varieties get up to three feet tall, so remember to use a big pot that will not turn over. Also, get a pot large enough in diameter that there is enough space to tuck a few flowering plants around the base of the caladium.
Since the caladium and smaller plants do not share the same root space, this arrangement for your plants is perfect.
Begonias, impatiens, and sultana are all small enough that their height will not interfere when planted with taller caladium.
Is Caladium Poisonous to Animals: The Answer
Unfortunately, caladiums are poisonous for both cats and dogs. If they chew on the leaves or stems of caladium, it can cause their mouth to become irritated and cause their tongue, mouth, and throat, which can cause tissue damage.
With that in mind, be careful about planting catnip with your caladium if you have pets.
Cats do like catnip, and some dogs do too. If they happen upon catnip grown with caladium, they could potentially be poisoned.
Frequently Asked Questions about What to Plant with Caladium
Will the plants you can plant with caladium use the same fertilizer?
For caladium plants in the ground, and those in pots, use a good liquid fertilizer once a month. This application should take care of your caladium, as well as your other plants.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.