Caladium Marie Moir is a true tropical gem that surely adds a bold pop of color to any shady landscape. A more plus value to add, not only is this white and green caladium variety visually stunning but is also easy to care for gardeners at any level of experience! Whether indoor or outdoor, here is everything you need to know about growing the marvelous Marie Moir Caladium.
Table of Contents
Basic Marie Moir Caladium Facts
Common Name(s): Angel Wings Marie Moir, Caladium Marie Moir Pink Polkadot
Scientific Name: Caladium ‘Marie Moir’
Plant Family: Araceae
Country of Origin: Southern America
Natural Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions
Size: Grow and spread to about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters)
Toxicity Level: Mildly toxic if a large quantity is eaten
Color(s): Albino white, dark green, pale lime green, dark magenta
Flower Shape: Tiny with a spadix and spathe inflorescence
Is Caladium Marie Moir A Rare Variety?
The good news is, Marie Moir Caladium is not considered a rare variety in the world of horticulture. This gorgeous plant is widely available in most nurseries and plant shops, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 for two to three or more bulbs.
Foliage and Blooms Appearance
Marie Moir Caladium is favored for its wing-shaped foliage that comes in albino white or pale lime green, creating a pleasing contrast with prominent dark green edges and veins. This white and green caladium variety has remarkable dark magenta spots that make them easy to recognize. Like most caladium varieties, Caladium Marie Moir features thin, dark green stems. Although they produce pale yellow or pale lime green flowers, it’s unlikely for Caladium Marie Moir to bloom when grown as a houseplant.
Size and Growth
For those who love compact-sized caladium varieties, Marie Moir could be the best answer. Although considered a fast-growing plant, the growth of Caladium Marie Moir relies heavily on its thriving environment that it could tend to be slower or vice versa. Provide them with the best growing conditions possible, and they will reward you with their vibrant and eye-catching foliage.
Does Caladium Marie Moir Safe For People With Fragrance Sensitivity?
Caladium Marie Moir is generally safe for those with fragrance sensitivity. They’re not known as plants that can trigger allergies or sensitivities with strong scents. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new plants into your landscape.
Is Caladium Marie Moir Toxic To Cats and Dogs?
The effect of Caladium Marie Moir is not as fabulous as it looks when they’re eaten by humans and pets. The popular yet toxic chemicals named calcium oxalate crystals can be found all over the plant’s part. Symptoms such as vomiting, swelling, and burning sensations in mouths, lips, or tongues might occur.
Marie Moir Caladium vs White Christmas Caladium: What’s the Difference?
These two white and green caladium varieties often get confused but they’re different plants and are easy to distinguish. The easiest way is to inspect the splotches of dark magenta. If your caladium features these markings, then it’s Marie Moir. In general, White Christmas also features deep dark green margin and veins that is more complex in terms of patterns
Is Caladium Marie Moir A Perennial or Annual?
Caladium Marie Moir is best grown in zones 9 through 11 which can be treated as both annual and perennial. When the climate remains warm, they can be grown as tender perennials throughout the years. In cooler areas, Marie Moir Caladium has typically grown annually.
Caladium Marie Moir Indoor and Outdoor Care
Light
Caladium Marie Moir thrives in bright but indirect light. Direct light can be too warm and scorch their delicate foliage, while insufficient light can stunt their growth, revert their color to green or become leggy. A north or east-facing window is the ideal indoor growing space, whereas for outdoor, make sure to plant them in an area where they receive adequate daily morning light and afternoon shade.
Watering
Water Caladium Marie Moir when the first 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of the topsoil feels dry. They love consistent moisture but it’s important to avoid overwatering and underwatering as this can lead to unwanted problems. Adjust the watering schedule during winter as the plant goes dormant and requires less water.
Temperature and Humidity
To get the lushest growth, plant Caladium Marie Moir in warm and humid areas. Keep the temperature between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) with a humidity level of around 55% to 80%. This plant is not frost-tolerant, so avoid the temperature going down anything further below the maximum of 60°F (15°C) to keep them thriving.
Soil
A well-draining, high-in-humus, and slightly acidic soil is what the Caladium Marie Moir craves the most. A good soil mix for this plant should consist of a mix of coco peat, perlite, charcoal, and humus to provide aeration, fertility, and good drainage.
Fertilizing
To achieve the best-growing results, it’s highly recommended to give the Caladium Marie Moir foods from fertilizers during its active growing season, which falls from early spring to summer. Use a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer that consists of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with a ratio of 10:10:10 or 20:20:20. The plant does not need any fertilizer during winter.
Propagation
Propagate Caladium Marie Moir in spring by dividing the tubers and planting them in separate pots or containers. It’s important to pick healthy tubers with one or two growing points (also known as ‘eyes’). Plant the tubers of the Marie Moir Caladium just below the soil’s surface.
Repotting and Pruning
Caladium Marie Moir requires annual repotting, preferably during spring when the plant is the most actively growing. Gently remove the plant from its old planter then repot the plant in a new, one or two-size bigger planter with fresh and new potting soil. Unlike the Royal Purple Smokebush, Caladium Marie Moir does not require frequent pruning. However, to keep the plant looking nice and to encourage more growth, you might need to do a pruning session, moreover throughout the growing season. Pruning is also needed when the plants get infected or diseased to prevent the spreading of the infection.
Common Marie Moir Caladium Problems You Should be Watching Out
Pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are not just unpleasant to see, but they can also cause unwanted problems such as browning or yellowing leaves, brown spots, and forming spider web-like masses on leaves and stems. On the other hand, diseases such as root rot, bacterial leaf spot, and wilting leaves could also occur as the result of many factors–mainly from improper growing conditions.
Nurturing Caladium Marie Moir Should Be Easy
In conclusion, although it requires some specific things such as temperature and humidity level that you need to adjust, growing Caladium Marie Moir is generally not a pain in the neck. With proper growing conditions, you can see Caladium Marie Moir showing up their attractive albino white and dark green foliage without any disturbance.
New author in the hood. Loves gardening and flowers are my spirit animals (yes I know they are not animals but I insist). I will be covering most of the flowers’ topics here and occasionally random though as well.