Caladium Companion Plants: Creating Stunning Garden Displays

The Beauty of Caladiums

Caladiums are tropical plants native to South America. They are prized for their large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, and green. Caladiums thrive in warm, humid environments, making them perfect for growing in the southern United States and other subtropical regions. These showy plants can be grown outdoors in gardens or indoors as houseplants.

Best Companion Plants for Caladiums

Caladiums can be planted in pots or directly in the ground, either way, they work well when paired with other plants. Let's take a look at some of the best companion plants for caladiums!

1. Ferns

Ferns are an excellent companion plant for caladiums because they share similar growing conditions. Both plants require high humidity and indirect sunlight. The delicate fronds of ferns provide a beautiful contrast to the bold, brightly colored leaves of caladiums. Some popular fern varieties include Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, and Bird Nest Fern.

How to Grow Ferns with Caladiums

When planting caladiums and ferns together, make sure to choose a location that receives partial shade. Plant ferns around the base of caladiums or in between them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as both plants prefer consistent moisture.

2. Hostas

Hostas are another excellent companion plant for caladiums. They share similar growing conditions, including partial shade and moist soil. Hostas have large, textured leaves that come in a range of colors, from blue-green to yellow. When planted with caladiums, hostas provide a beautiful contrast in leaf size and shape.

How to Grow Hostas with Caladiums

When planting hostas with caladiums, choose a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Plant hostas around the base of caladiums, leaving enough space between plants to allow for growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as both plants prefer consistent moisture.

3. Begonias

Begonias are another popular companion plant for caladiums. Both plants thrive in warm, humid environments, making them ideal for growing together. Begonias have delicate foliage and come in a range of colors, from white to pink to red.

How to Grow Begonias with Caladiums

When planting begonias with caladiums, choose a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Plant begonias around the base of caladiums, leaving enough space between plants to allow for growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as both plants prefer consistent moisture.

4. Impatiens

Impatiens are a great choice for companion planting with caladiums because they have similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer partial shade and consistently moist soil. Impatiens have bright, colorful blooms that add a pop of color to any garden.

How to Grow Impatiens with Caladiums

When planting impatiens with caladiums, choose a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Plant impatiens around the base of caladiums, leaving enough space between plants to allow for growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as both plants prefer consistent moisture.

5. Coleus

Coleus is an excellent choice for companion planting with caladiums because they have similar leaf shapes and colors. Both plants thrive in partial shade and consistently moist soil. Coleus has an array of colorful leaves that come in a range of colors, from bright pink to deep purple.

How to Grow Coleus with Caladiums

When planting coleus with caladiums, choose a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Plant coleus around the base of caladiums, leaving enough space between plants to allow for growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as both plants prefer consistent moisture.

FAQs about Caladium Companion Plants

1. Can I grow caladiums indoors?

Yes! Caladiums can be grown indoors as houseplants, as long as they receive bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

2. How often should I water my caladiums?

Caladiums prefer consistently moist soil, so you should water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

3. What is the best soil mix for planting caladiums?

Caladiums prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well.

4. Do caladiums need fertilizer?

Yes! Caladiums benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, especially during their growing season.

5. What should I do with my caladiums in the winter?

Caladiums are tropical plants and cannot tolerate cold temperatures. If you live in a region with cold winters, you should dig up your caladium bulbs in the fall and store them indoors until spring.



In caladiums are a beautiful and versatile plant that pairs well with a variety of other foliage plants, flowers, and shrubs. By choosing the right companion plants for your caladiums, you can create stunning garden displays that are sure to impress. Remember to plant your caladiums in partial shade with consistently moist soil, and provide regular fertilization to keep them healthy and thriving.