Caladium Vs. Coleus

Caladium (Caladium bicolor), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10, and coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, enhance gardens with their colorful foliage from spring through frost. They are most often grown and treated as annuals, though both are perennials. Providing color and interest in gardens with partial to full shade, coleus and caladium are widely available, relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to care for. Coleus is especially vigorous and has been reported as invasive in a few areas.

Coleus and caladium are similar in overall size, with coleus growing 6 inches to 3 feet tall and wide and caladium reaching 1 to 2 1/2 feet tall and wide. Both feature multi-colored foliage. Arrowhead-like caladium leaves, which can grow to 18 inches long, display splashes and edges of pink, red, green and white, often with contrasting veins. Coleus leaves are smaller and oblong. Many varieties feature toothed edges and some are deeply dissected. The color range is greater than that of coleus, with leaves striped, edged or mottled in every color except true blue. Though the two plants flower, blooms are generally insignificant.

Both caladium and coleus thrive in consistently moist soil and should receive supplemental water in hot, dry weather. Caladium is susceptible to wind and hail damage and should be planted in a protected location. Coleus is also susceptible but because of its rapid growth rate can rebound faster from weather-related injury. Once established, caladium needs little grooming. Coleus, on the other hand, should be pinched or clipped back regularly to keep plants compact and bushy. Snap off the top third of each stem on the plant by pinching with a thumb and forefinger.

Incorporate coleus and caladium in similar ways in garden beds and borders, as well as containers and window boxes. Caladium, with its larger leaves, offers a tropical look and pairs well with similar moisture- and partial shade-loving tropical plants, like ginger or butterfly lily (Hedychium coronaries) and taro (Colcasia esculenta), both hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10. Coleus mixes nicely with shade-loving bedding plants like New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12, and the annual wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri).

Though coleus and caladium are generally treated as annuals in cold winter climates, they can be maintained indoors through winter as pot plants. To do so, provide consistent moisture and bright light (bright indoor light corresponds to part shade outdoors). Alternately, dig caladium tubers after the first frost, dry for a few days and store in sand or peat moss in a cool, dry location. Replant the tubers in spring. Overwinter coleus plants and take stem cuttings in late winter. Root in a glass of water and, after roots develop, plant in starter pots.