As a plant enthusiast, it might be difficult to not tilt your head and move your attention fully to the mesmerizing pink symphony caladium. Not only these native to Central and South America foliage plants could make a stunning addition to any garden, but they’re also favored for being easy to maintain. But is the pink symphony caladium really that effortless to take care of? Let’s find out!
| Symphony Caladium Plant Info | |
|---|---|
| Common Name(s) | Pink symphony, caladium bicolor, |
| caladium pink princess symphony | |
| Scientific Name | Caladium ‘Pink Symphony’ |
| Family | Araceae |
| Country of Origin | Central and South America |
| Size | 8 to 15 inches (20 to 38 cm) tall |
| Toxicity Level | Toxic for humans and pets if a |
| large quantity is eaten | |
| Color(s) | Pink, dark green, pale pink, |
| whitish-pink, white | |
| Flower Shape | This plant is seldom flowering |
| Zones | 9 to 11 |
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Watering | Keep the soil moist, medium |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic, between 5.5 to 6.5 |
| Humidity | High, between 50% to 90% |
| Temperature | Warm, between 70°F to 85°F (21°C |
| to 29°C) | |
| Fertilizing | Regularly, during the growing |
| season | |
| Recommended Propagation Method(s) | Tubers division |
| Repotting | Once to twice a year |
| Pruning | As needed |
Table of Contents
What’s Special About Pink Symphony Caladium?
It’s easy to spot what is special about the pink symphony caladium. Yes, that is their eye-catching visual! In addition to making such fantastic houseplants, symphony caladium is also unique because of its propagation method, which is recommended to be done through the division of the tubers. That’s making them more standout than their aroid cousins, which the recommended propagation method is mainly through stem cuttings.
Foliage and Blooms Appearance
As the name indicates, the focal point of pink symphony caladium is their pink, thin, almost see-through foliage. The heart-shaped leaves of symphony caladium also have dark green veins that extend towards the end/the leaves margin. They produce long and thin stems in darker shades of green. In some nurseries, pink symphony caladium with a hint of white or the one where the pink color is more prominent is also available to purchase. This plant hardly ever produces blooms when grown as an indoor houseplant.
Size and Growth
Pink symphony caladium is not considered a fast grower, but the number of hours it takes to grow will be worth it! When they mature, this gorgeous plant can reach a height of 15 inches (38 centimeters) tall, which is compact and suitable for gardeners who are limited in space. You can expect the same width goes as the same average height of this plant.
Does Symphony Caladium Have Fragrance?
No, the pink symphony caladium does not have any particular aroma.
What Differentiates Pink Symphony Caladium from the Regular Caladium?
The prime focus between symphony caladium and regular caladium is located on their foliage color, shape, and size. Regular caladium may or may not produce pink color, and can also have thicker foliage with a bigger foliage size.
How To Avoid the Toxicity of the Symphony Caladium Plant?
Pink symphony caladium is notable for being pretty yet ‘deadly’. All parts of this plant are toxic, however, only if a large amount is eaten. With some precautions, generally, symphony caladium is safe to thrive. The first basic safeguard is to protect yourself using gloves and a gardening apron before touching or removing the plant. Make sure to educate all family members and people nearby, and if possible, move the plant to an area away from children and pets.
All the Things You Can Do with Pink Symphony Caladium
If you get a little bit more creative, then you’ll know that the pink symphony caladium is not just a matter of a beautiful house plant that adds color to your garden. You can take advantage of this plant by creating them to be a perfect birthday present or gift for particularly special occasions.
Moreover, the pink symphony can be used in floral arrangements, as they pair well with flowers of similar size. Last but not least, pink symphony caladium can make a great part of border plants, mainly in shady areas, as they can be grown in containers and brought outdoors.
Caladium Pink Symphony Care Guide
Light
Pink symphony caladium requires a daily intake of bright but indirect light. Although they can tolerate a maximum of 2 hours of direct sunlight, it’s best to limit their exposure to bright and direct light as it can get too warm and burn their delicate foliage. The ideal amount of indirect light they should take daily is about 4 to 6 hours, with the addition of dappled light during the rest of the day.
Watering
The only time when pink symphony caladium requires a larger amount of water is during their peak growing season. Outside the growth spurt phase, they enjoy a regular weekly watering session. Make sure their soil is moist but not waterlogged and soggy. Dip your finger into the first 2 inches (5 centimeters) of the topsoil. If it’s dry, then it’s time for watering.
Temperature and Humidity
As an inhabitant to warm tropical and subtropical regions, pink symphony caladium loves to bathe in warm and humid areas. This plant is also not a fan of cold, and they usually go dormant during fall. At this dormancy stage, you might see the foliage withering and dieback, but it’s normal. Set the temperature around 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) with a minimum humidity of 50%.
Soil
Pink symphony caladium inherited their aroid ancestors’ DNA, where they need moist, slightly acidic soil with a good drainage system and high organic matter to thrive. You can add compost, manure, or leaf mold to the potting mix to provide the plant with more nutrients it needs. Maintain the pH balance with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 with the help of a pH tester accordingly.
Fertilizing
Pink symphony caladium benefits from the regular intake of fertilizers during their growing season. Use a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A good and recommended ratio should be 5:5:5, 10:10:10, or 20:20:20. Avoid over-fertilizing and stop the fertilizer intake during winter and fall.
Propagation
Pink symphony caladium can be propagated through tuber division. Tubers are an underground part of the caladium, visually similar to a potato but more elongated and irregularly shaped, with roots attached to them. Pink symphony caladium tubers are generally tan or dark brown-colored with bumps on the surface.
To propagate the tubers, the best time to pick some is during the early spring. Cut them into pieces using a sharp and sterilized knife, and cut tubers for a few hours to dry to prevent rotting. Plant the cut tubers in a well-draining potting mix just below the soil surface. Water regularly and within a few weeks, a new sprout should begin to emerge from each of the tuber pieces. It’s important to note that when cutting the tubers, each one should have at least one bud or ‘eye’, as it’s where the new sprout will come from.
Repotting and Pruning
Pink caladium symphony needs occasional repotting to refresh the soil and provide more growing space. When doing repotting, choose a pot or container that is larger than the previous pot. This plant does not require regular pruning, however, if you find any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage, simply cut them off to promote new, healthier growth.
Common Pests and Diseases
Spider mites, mealy bugs, fungal and bacterial diseases, aphids, and scale insects are just a few of the main culprits. When the pink symphony caladium gets affected by one of these, symptoms that may occur include yellowing or browning leaves, stunted growth, leaf spot, and root rot. To treat and control pests and diseases, avoid over-watering, and over-fertilizing, and ensure to give them a proper maintenance routine. Follow up using neem oil and insecticide if needed.
Is It Easy To Maintain Pink Symphony Caladium?
To bring down the curtain, yes, it’s rather easy to take care of the pink symphony caladium. The basic requirements of these eye-catching decorative house plants include giving them bright but indirect light, holding the soil’s moisture, providing warmness with plenty of humidity, and thriving them in potting soil with high organic matter that drains well.
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.
