A top favorite of several house gardeners is the Carolyn Whorton Caladium, a vibrant plant with extraordinary leaves decorated with speckles and splashes of pink and contrasting dark green at the edges.
This plant is a hot commodity, especially in the summertime.
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant is a member of the Araceae, a prominent plant family with over 3750 known species.
It naturally grows along the Amazon River basin and entered the American markets through European greenhouses.
The Caladiums mainly form two categories; one is the large, heart-shaped leaves type, while the other is the lance-leafed elongated type.
It is no surprise that this fine beauty is mainly cultivated for its showy, variegated foliage. The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant is a perennial that grows from tubers.
It is often seen enhancing the looks of balconies, patios, and gardens. Although its care routine is pretty simple, some plant growers have trouble making it thrive.
However, you can grow a healthy Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant with little effort with this simple guide.
Table of Contents
Carolyn Whorton Caladium
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium thrives in deep shade to bright, dappled sunlight. It likes abundant moisture, so regular watering works wonders. Feed every 2 weeks with an instant-release fertilizer and keep humidity levels above 50% with occasional misting. The ideal temperature range lies between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 to 21.1 degrees Celsius).
Soil
The Caladiums, like many fellow Araceae species, highly appreciate well-draining and evenly-moist soils.
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant grows exceptionally well in acidic, neutral, as well as alkaline soils, provided they have plenty of organic matter.
I suggest growing the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant in slightly acidic soils; a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 usually works fine.
The mild acidity helps keep several pathogens at bay and also aids in efficient nutrient absorption.
You can add organic matter to increase soil fertility, including worm castings, blood meal, and fish emulsion.
If you want the plant’s soil to retain a good amount of moisture at all times, you can also put in some sawdust or mulch.
The soil must be kept warm and moist throughout the growing season as that is only when the Carolyn Whorton Caladium’s tubers survive.
Furthermore, please ensure that you refresh the soil constituents after every few months, especially before the start of the growing season.
Water
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant is fond of water; however, it does not like it as often as some other Caladiums, such as the Gingerland Caladium.
Watering it every other day keeps the plant’s leaves as well as its soil sufficiently moist throughout the summer and spring seasons.
For the areas with intense heat, I recommend watering every two days. On the other hand, Carolyn Whorton Caladium owners can add water in relatively cooler regions after three days.
However, if your plant needs more, do not shy away from increasing the watering frequency to every two days.
Some houseplant owners rely on the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant’s soil condition for watering. They add water only when the plant’s top two to three inches have run dry.
In contrast, if the soil seems reasonably hydrated, they delay watering till the top layer is slightly dry again.
Please only add the required water amount. Over and underwatering can lead to a long list of problems, including root rot, wilting, and yellow leaves.
Additionally, water from the top instead of watering just the roots.
Light
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant thrives in deep shade to bright, filtered sunlight. If you brought home a new plant or are growing one, gradually increase its light exposure levels.
If you place the plant in direct, harsh sun rays on the very first day, chances are you will burn its leaves.
For Caladiums, north– and east-facing windows offer excellent sunlight. You can place the plant in a pot and put it right in front of the window or simply hang the pot on your balcony.
Tinted doors and windows are also great for growing the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant.
Alternatively, you can grow this beauty under artificial growing lights after ensuring that your plant type is fully compatible with them.
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant likes daily exposure to sunlight for at least 6 hours. Place the plant outdoors in the early morning and late evening sun.
But I suggest bringing it inside during the intense sunlight hours to protect it from dehydration.
Temperature
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant grows fairly well in temperate regions. The mild temperatures here support the plant’s growth and improve its productivity.
The temperature should remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) for the greatest results.
Ideally, the Carolyn Whorton Caladium likes temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 to 21.1 degrees Celsius) in the daytime.
During the night, please make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below the 65-degree Fahrenheit mark.
In naturally warm areas, the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant grows almost throughout the year as the soils are warm and there is mostly adequate moisture in the air.
However, in the cooler regions, the plant may need to stay indoors.
I suggest bringing your Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant indoors when the temperature dips below the 60-degree Fahrenheit mark. Once it is warm again, you can place it in the windy outdoors again.
But please bear in mind that the Caladium leaves are intolerant to leaf frost; therefore, set your plant’s location accordingly.
Humidity
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant thoroughly enjoys moderate moisture levels. The moist air keeps the plant’s leaves fresh and healthy and prevents its roots from drying out.
Watering it every other day with occasional misting produces excellent results.
Please maintain humidity levels greater than 50% throughout the growing as well as the dormant seasons.
While moisture greater than 60% works better in the summer and spring seasons- when the plant is actively growing.
To sustain a significant amount of moisture in the surroundings, you can place your Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant next to a water-filled tray with some colorful pebbles.
Other options include grouping your houseplants in one room and installing a humidifier.
Fertilizer
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant is not a heavy feeder. Its feeding needs are average despite its large size and colorful foliage.
The feeding frequency mainly depends on the season and the fertilizer type.
For the best results, use a high-quality liquid fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. The feed should contain all the essential minerals, including nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, and manganese.
During the Carolyn Whorton Caladium’s growing season, add the fertilizer every two weeks.
Alternatively, you can add every 4-6 months as slow-release granular fertilizer. This feed type releases its ingredients over an extended period, maintaining a steady supply of all the vital minerals.
Both options work well, but the liquid fertilizers mostly produce better results with the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant.
Additionally, I suggest not to feed the Carolyn Whorton during the winter and fall seasons since the plant does not grow actively at this time.
Repotting
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant likes staying in a familiar environment, as its roots are somewhat slow in adjusting to new surroundings.
However, like any other plant, it does eventually outgrow its pot and needs to be repotted.
Most plant markets sell the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant in small pots. Therefore, transferring such a plant to a slightly larger container is a good idea.
The new pot gives the plant’s roots plenty of space to flourish and spread out.
Generally, the Caladiums should be repotted every two to three years. A Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant requiring repotting will either have a cracked pot, lose all water added to it, or grow at a rate much slower than normal.
Moving one size larger is usually fine. However, please be sure to refresh the plant’s soil ingredients and wear gloves while handling it.
Pruning
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant grows to a whopping height of 24 inches (61 centimeters) when fully mature; thus, it is only fair that it is pruned every few weeks.
If you see any abnormal or diseased leaves on the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant, cut them with a pair of pruning shears.
Similarly, vines that are taking excessive space or forming an erratic pattern should also be removed.
I strongly advise you only to use tools that are fully disinfected and clean. You can soak the gardening tools in rubbing alcohol to remove all possible pathogens.
Propagation
To successfully propagate a Carolyn Whorton Caladium, you will need a mature plant, an appropriate soil mix, knife, water, and a container.
- Begin with gently taking the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant out of its pot.
- Once out, shake the plant slowly so that all excess soil falls off the root ball.
- Add some fungicide to limit the growth of any possible fungal organisms (optional).
- Now take the knife and separate a healthy stem, ensuring that it has a few roots.
- Fill the pot with the appropriate soil mix.
- Ensure the hole you’re making in the soil’s wide enough for the stem and roots to fit.
- Put the stem in the soil and add more soil around it to help it stand upright.
- Finish with some water and fungicide.
- Place the pot in deep shade till the stem grows out some more roots.
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium stem will take three to four weeks to grow.
Once you see new foliage and more roots, you may place the pot in bright, dappled sunlight.
Blooms
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant is primarily grown for its attractive foliage. But it does produce small green or white flowers in the summertime.
They are inflorescence type with a spadix, which is usually accompanied by or enclosed within a spathe. The flowers mostly hide under the leaves and die back in the winter and fall seasons.
Growth
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant grows actively in USDA hardiness zones 9, 10, and 11, sometimes even in 8, and falls under heat zones 4 to 11.
The hybrid has a moderate to fast growth rate and is most vigorous in the summer and spring seasons.
The perennial reaches a height of 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 centimeters) and spreads to 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 centimeters).
Its beautiful heart-shaped leaves grow over 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) long and almost just as wide.
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Common Problems for Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant
Yellow Leaves
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant can develop yellow leaves due to a great number of reasons.
The most common ones include insufficient moisture, excessive sunlight, incorrect temperature settings, low nitrogen, and overwatering.
To fix each of these problems, make sure that you go over this guide thoroughly and make appropriate changes.
Overall, keep the plant in dappled sunlight and water every two days.
Aphids
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium is a fairly pest-resistant plant. However, it may fall prey to various pests and insets, including aphids, from time to time.
They nibble on the plant’s leaves and suck away its cell sap.
The best defense against pest infestations is vigilance. Moreover, you can use pesticides, maintain good hygiene, and limit weed growth around the plant.
Root Rot
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium likes water; however, overwatering leads to numerous issues, such as root rot.
The plant’s leaves begin losing their characteristic color, and it ceases to grow. The roots are also significantly damaged, so they cannot take up nutrients.
To save your plant against root rot, water it only when needed, every two days in Carolyn Whorton Caladium’a case, and maintain good hygiene.
Tips for Growing Carolyn Whorton Caladium
- Plant in deep shade to partial sunlight.
- Plant only when both the climate and soil are warm.
- Keep an eye for snails and slugs and remove if you see any promptly.
- Cultivate and propagate in spring.
- Maintain a steady water supply.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carolyn Whorton Caladium
Are Carolyn Whorton Caladiums poisonous to cats and dogs?
If chewed on by pets, the Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant can cause extreme irritation and swelling of the tongue, mouth, and throat. It contains calcium crystals, which damage tissue membranes. Therefore, please ensure that you plant them out of the reach of pets, toddlers, and children.
Why is my Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant dying?
If your Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant seems to be dying, you need to revise its watering schedule and ensure that it receives a constant supply of room-temperature water. Additionally, go over other possible reasons as well and make appropriate changes.
Why are my Carolyn Whorton Caladium’s leaves turning yellow?
A Carolyn Whorton Caladium plant receiving insufficient moisture or sunlight will develop yellow leaves. Keep the plant in greater than 60 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels higher than 60% to prevent this problem.
Conclusion
The Carolyn Whorton Caladium is a wonderful plant that is widely grown in balconies, patios, and terraces. With its vibrant pink and green leaves, it can brighten the dullest corners.
With frequent watering, moderate moisture, and dappled sunlight, you can grow this beauty to a height of over 22 inches.
Bring one home today.
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.