Red Frills Angel Wings

Red Frills Angel Wings (Caladium bicolor 'Red Frills') is a tropical foliage plant with tapering, heart shaped leaves in vibrant emerald green, radiating from a scarlet red centre and finished with rippled edges. It grows 30cm to 60cm tall and wide, and it suits humid shade, patio pots and bright rooms. Caladiums are toxic if chewed, so keep this one away from pets and small children.

Why you'll love it

• A scarlet heart. A bright red centre against emerald green gives a bold two colour look from a few metres away.
• Frilled edges. The leaf margins ripple, which adds movement and texture that flat edged leaves lack.
• An elegant, tapering shape. The leaves narrow to a point, so the outline is livelier than a rounded caladium leaf.
• Impact for its size. At 30cm to 60cm it fills a pot or a gap in a shaded bed with colour.
• Garden or house. It grows outdoors in humid, frost free shade and indoors as a houseplant in a well lit room.

Where it works best

Shaded borders. In a frost free garden, plant 40cm apart along a shaded path or under trees for a repeating pattern of red and green.

Patio and balcony pots. Group two or three in one pot for an instant feature on a covered balcony.

Indoors. A bright room out of direct sun gives the leaves the humidity and warmth they like.

Growing Red Frills Angel Wings in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a humid, shady, frost free spot with indirect sunlight. In tropical and subtropical regions it can live outdoors. Elsewhere, treat it as a pot plant for indoors and sheltered patios.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks, then only if the soil seems dry. Feed using a liquid fertiliser at half rate every few weeks as the plant establishes. For indoor plants, regular water and a daily spritz on the foliage keep them happy.

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

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Frills Angel Wings as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with young leaves that grow larger and more frilled as it settles. Pot it up or plant it out in warm shade soon after it arrives, and protect it from frost and cold draughts.

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
• Plants that suit pots
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

How tall does it grow?

It reaches 30cm to 60cm tall and wide, so it stays low enough for a pot or the front of a shady border.

Can it live in a bathroom or kitchen?

It can if the room is bright, since caladiums love humidity. Keep it out of direct sun and cold draughts, and make sure the pot drains.

Is it toxic?

Yes. Caladium is toxic if chewed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and choose a different foliage plant for a home where animals roam.