Cream-white Caladium bicolor leaves have bright pink-red veins, scattered pink spots, and pale green edges among surrounding green foliage

Caladium bicolor (Heart of Jesus)

Native from Central America to northwestern Argentina, this tuberous perennial herb forms clumps about 1 to 3 feet tall. Its thin, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves come in many cultivated patterns of green, white, pink, and red. Small flowers are clustered on a spadix surrounded by a pale green spathe. The foliage can die back when conditions become unsuitable, while the underground tubers remain dormant until growth resumes. Plants are propagated by dividing the tubers. All parts contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the skin, mouth, and throat and are harmful if eaten. Photographed in Colombia and Florida.

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A heart-shaped Caladium bicolor leaf has a broad red center and veins, dark green margins, and scattered cream-white spots

A large green Caladium bicolor leaf with pink veins and pale pink-white speckles rises above a low garden hedge

White Caladium bicolor leaves have branching red veins and green margins above a hanging basket, beside a pale green spathe

Cream-white Caladium bicolor leaves have pink-red veins, magenta speckles, and pale green edges in a garden bed

A green Caladium bicolor leaf with red veins and small pink-white spots grows beside other patterned leaves and a stone wall