Plant · GBIF taxon 2868390
Heart of Jesus
Caladium bicolorAlso known as Angel Wings, Elephant Ears, Fancy-leaf Caladium
Heart of Jesus thrives in warm, humid understories where its paper-thin leaves catch dappled sunlight through forest canopies. Each leaf emerges from an underground tuber, displaying intricate patterns of crimson, rose, and cream framed by deep green borders. During dry or cold seasons, the plant sheds its lush foliage and enters dormancy, storing energy below ground until moist conditions return.
TropicalOrnamentalVariegated
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Snails and Slugs
- Caterpillars
- Spider Mites
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, prolonged drought, direct harsh sunlight
HabitatsTropical rainforest understories, shaded gardens, damp woodlands
Life spanPerennial (tubers survive for decades)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAlismatales
- FamilyAraceae
- GenusCaladium
- SpeciesCaladium bicolor
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe pain if ingested; toxic to pets and irritating to bare skin.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning, swelling, and irritation in the mouth, throat, and skin upon contact.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Distinguished by thin, paper-like heart- or arrow-shaped leaves with vivid combinations of green, red, pink, and white blotches.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when handling tubers or cutting leaves, and keep plants strictly out of reach of children and pets.
Responsible observation
- Light Needs: Place in bright, indirect sunlight to preserve vivid leaf coloration without scorching thin foliage.
- Pet Precautions: Position pots on high shelves or hanging baskets to prevent cats and dogs from chewing leaves.
- Winter Care: Allow tubers to go dormant when temperatures drop, storing them in a dry, dark location.
Similar Foliage KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Arum Relative No machine-readable author provided. Thierry Caro assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Toxic Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Jean-Paul Boerekamps · cc0
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