Phyllotaenium lindenii

Common Names

Caladium Lindenii, Xanthosoma Lindenii

Summary

Native to the wet lowland forests of Panama and Colombia, this tropical understory tuberous geophyte forms a fully subterranean globose stem with an upright rosette and large arrow-shaped leaves green with bold white veins and a satin sheen; leaves measure about 30–40 cm, and the plant reaches roughly 50–60 cm tall in containers.

Bright indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity (60–80%) support growth, with soil kept evenly moist but not waterlogged; a well-draining mix (40% potting compost, 25% orchid bark, 20% perlite/pumice, 15% coco coir) or semi-hydro when managed carefully; fertilize lightly and repot infrequently, while monitoring for moisture-related yellowing or humidity-related brown tips; propagate by dividing underground tubers in the growing season; commonly grown for ornamental foliage and noted for toxicity if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, loamy soil that retains moisture and is rich in organic matter, well-aerated and not dense, amended with perlite, coco coir, vermiculite, or orchid bark for improved drainage

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, well-aerated soil that stays moist but not soggy.

Soil pH

5.5

Foliage Color

Green with white veining

Fall Foliage Color

Dark green with creamy white veins

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Division (tuber division), cut/break off a tuber, replant in a smaller pot, optional: let cut tuber callus for 1–2 days before watering