Apple Blossom Angel Wings

Apple Blossom Angel Wings (Caladium bicolor 'Apple Blossom') is a tropical foliage plant with large, heart shaped leaves in emerald green, with a pink centre and patterns of white. It grows 30cm to 60cm tall and wide and brings colour to a shady corner of a tropical garden, a covered patio or a bright room indoors. Like all caladiums it is toxic if chewed, so keep it away from pets and small children.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves that look painted. Emerald green leaves radiate from a deep pink heart, overlaid with soft pink and white patterns.
• Colour in the shade. Where most plants sulk, it lights up a shady corner, and the colour lasts the whole warm season.
• Garden or house. Grow it in a pot indoors, on a patio, or in the ground in a humid tropical garden.
• A manageable size. At 30cm to 60cm it fits a container or the front of a bed without crowding its neighbours.
• A fresh start each spring. The leaves die back in the cooler months while the plant rests, and it returns as the weather warms.

Where it works best

Shady tropical borders. Plant 40cm apart under trees or along a shaded wall in a frost free garden, and the leaves knit into a patterned carpet of pink, white and green.

Pots on patios and verandahs. A glazed pot in bright shade makes a feature, and it is easy to move when the weather changes.

Indoors. In a well lit room away from direct sun, regular watering and a daily spritz keep it happy.

Growing Apple Blossom Angel Wings in Australia

Position and climate. A humid, shady, frost free spot with indirect sunlight. Outdoors that means tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler climates, grow it in a pot indoors, or on a sheltered patio through the warm months.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix suits it, in a spot that never sits wet.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first 12 weeks. Once established, water only when the soil seems dry. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half rate every few weeks as the plant establishes. Indoors, a daily spritz keeps humidity up.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy up. In the cooler months the foliage may die back as the plant goes dormant. Take off the spent leaves, keep the plant in a dry, dark room and water it only every four to six weeks, and it will burst to life again in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Apple Blossom Angel Wings as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives with young leaves that expand as it settles into a warm, humid position. Keep it out of cold draughts and frost, and plant it into a pot or shady bed soon after it arrives.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always in stock. If the tube option reads sold out, the grower has none ready, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More tropical plants
• House and indoor plants
• Plants for full shade
• Designing a lush tropical garden

Common questions

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it a well lit room out of direct sun, keep the potting mix evenly moist and spritz the leaves daily. Caladiums love humidity.

Why have the leaves died back?

Caladiums rest in the cooler months, and the foliage may die back naturally. Remove the spent leaves, keep the plant in a dry, dark room and water only every four to six weeks until spring.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Caladium is toxic if chewed. Keep it where cats, dogs and small children cannot reach it, and wash your hands after handling the plant.