Chardonnay Angel Wings

Chardonnay Angel Wings (Caladium bicolor 'Chardonnay') is an elegant tropical foliage plant with long, heart shaped leaves in deep green with variable white markings. It grows 30cm to 60cm tall and wide and adds light to a dark spot in a border, a shaded patio or an indoor planting scheme. The plant is toxic if chewed, so it is not for homes where pets or small children might nibble leaves.

Why you'll love it

• White that brightens shade. Deep green leaves with a white centre or freckles add light to a dark spot in the border.
• Elegant, not loud. The white and green palette is quieter than the pink and red caladiums, so it suits calm, modern and tropical style schemes.
• A graceful outline. Long, heart shaped leaves give a more flowing shape than the round leaves of many foliage plants.
• Made for interiors. It flourishes in warm, humid, still air, which is exactly what a sheltered room or conservatory offers.
• Cool to look at in summer. Deep green and white reads as fresh in a hot garden, with no flowers needed.

Where it works best

Underplanting in tropical style gardens. Plant 40cm apart beneath palms and tall shrubs, where it forms a light, patterned layer at ground level.

Shaded patio containers. A pot beside a covered entry or in a courtyard is enough to show off the white markings.

Interior planting. In a well lit room out of direct sun, it makes a calm feature on a console or among a group of foliage plants.

Growing Chardonnay Angel Wings in Australia

Position and climate. A humid, shady spot with indirect sunlight suits it. It likes warm, humid, still air, so it flourishes outdoors in tropical and subtropical gardens and indoors wherever it is warm. Protect it from frost.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix. Do not let the pot stand in water.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks, then only if the soil seems dry. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half rate every few weeks while it establishes. Indoors, regular watering and a daily spritz on the foliage keep it healthy.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy up. Foliage may die back in the cooler months as the plant becomes dormant. Take off the spent leaves, move the plant to a dry, dark room and water it only every four to six weeks until spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Chardonnay Angel Wings as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant with young leaves, and size and markings build as it settles in. Pot it up or plant it into a humid, shady position soon after delivery, and keep it frost free.

The tube comes direct from our grower, who does not always have it. A sold out tube simply means none is ready today, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

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

• Browse tropical plants
• Plants for pots and containers
• Low light indoor plants
• Growing tropical foliage plants indoors

Common questions

How much humidity does it need?

It does best in warm, humid, still air. Outdoors, choose a sheltered tropical or subtropical spot. Indoors, spritz the leaves daily and keep it away from heaters, air conditioners and draughts.

What do I do with it over winter?

Foliage may die back in the cooler months while the plant is dormant. Remove the spent leaves, keep the plant in a dry, dark room and water only every four to six weeks. It restarts when spring arrives.

Will it grow in a dark corner?

It lights up shade but still needs indirect sunlight to grow. Choose bright shade outdoors, or a well lit room away from direct sun.