Caladium Meaning

To show the person that he or she gives you great joy in your life, a good pick to symbolize this is to give caladium.

Indeed, as a token of your friendship, caladium is a great present for you to give out to your closest friends.  It might be poisonous but it would only be when eaten. Just like back in the day, caladium is not only a lovely ornament in your home but also a source of joy and delight.

Caladium often comes with white streaks on the leaf surface and it’s not impossible to make out formations of numbers there. If this happens, you’d be thinking like most people would – try out those numbers next time you pass by the lottery outlet.  

• Name:  Caladium
• Color:  Most commonly found in white but sometimes found as yellow, cream and also pink. This plant makes for a beautiful decorative element in your home.
• Shape: The flowers of caladiums are spoon shaped.
• Fact:  Caladium is more commonly known as the “elephant ear” because of their peculiar large leaves. But don’t confused it with Angel Wings and Heart of Jesus (as they share a common name) since they have a close resemblance in appearance as a result of belonging to a related genre. This flower is indigenous to the Central and South America especially in Brazil.
• This wild plant can grow as much as 15 to 35 inches (roughly about 40 to 90 cm). Its leaves span can reach up 18 inches long and are quite broad. However, some varieties are oddly small and this “dwarf” caladium is aptly called Miss Muffett.
• Poisonous:  When it comes to toxicity, you have to be very careful with the caladium and its flowers.  All of its parts are toxic and it may easily irritate a sensitive skin – so a close contact should be avoided.
• Number of Petals:  Because the caladium flower is an inflorescence, it doesn’t really have any petals.
• Victorian Interpretation:  Plain and simple, caladium plants mean joy and delight.  It’s as true now as it was in the Victorian times when people had to use flowers to convey their feelings to someone.  You can add more appeal to the flowers you send a loved one when you know what flowers like the caladium mean.
• Blossom Time:  Caladiums are harder plants than they look.  They can grow and thrive from one frost to another.  However, they bloom more lushly in the summertime.
• Superstitions:  Just like with any other type of flower, it’s a belief that if someone gives you caladium seeds and thank them for it, they’re not going to grow. But not telling thank you after someone gives you something is unmistakably rude. So how do receivers show their appreciation then? A simple nod will do. Even if you’re one of the lucky green thumbs, you might want to take this superstition into consideration.
• What the Caladium Means:  Great joy and delight
• The Shape:  Caladium is known as elephant’s ears because its leaves clearly resemble that of a mammoth.  When it comes to the flowers, it’s a spoon shaped blossom much like an anthurium.
• Petals:  The caladium flower doesn’t have any petals on it.  Instead, it’s got a spathe that protects the spadix, which is the spike of a flower for the caladium.
• Numerology:  The caladium, in numerology, is the number 1.  It relates to independence and ambition.
• Color:  Caladium leaves can be the most colorful but caladium flowers have the basic color of white but in special cases, it can be yellow, pink or cream.

Herbalism and Medicine:  

Traditionally, it is used as a laxative, emetic and antiseptic. It is also believed to treat cataract, wounds, sore throats, toothache and bouts with constipation.