Caladiums are shade-loving tropical plants valued for their foliage rather than their flowers. There are two basic types of caladiums: fancy-leaved (the most common) and lanced-leaved caladiums. Fancy leaved varieties have more rounded, heart-shaped leaves. Lance-leaved varieties have longer, narrower leaves shaped like a spear head. Otherwise, they share attributes. The patterns are unique to variety, and even from leaf to leaf in detail. Because it is the foliage that is decorative the display lasts from midsummer to frost.

Note: All parts of this tropical plant are poisonous, so caution is advised around children.