Caladium wang thong (jiffy sized plant)

• Common Name: Caladium ‘Wang Thong’

• Scientific Name: Caladium bicolor ‘Wang Thong’

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Thailand (selectively bred cultivar, part of a wave of beautiful Thai caladium hybrids)

• Type: Tuberous perennial, prized for its stunning foliage

🍃 Appearance

• Leaves:

  • Gorgeous light pink to creamy-white centers

  • Prominent green midribs and margins

  • Slight shimmer or metallic hue under bright light

  • Heart-shaped or semi-arrowhead form

• Plant Size:

  • Typically grows to 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) tall

  • Compact and well-rounded, perfect for containers or small garden spaces

☀️ Light Requirements

• Indoors:

  • Prefers bright, indirect light — too much direct sun may scorch the leaves

• Outdoors:

  • Best grown in partial shade or filtered sunlight

  • More tolerant of light than some other varieties, but still avoid strong midday sun

💧 Watering & Humidity

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season

  • Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings

  • Reduce watering during dormancy (fall/winter)

• Humidity:

  • Thrives in high humidity (50–70% or higher)

  • If grown indoors, consider misting or placing a humidity tray nearby

🌡️ Temperature

• Warm-growing plant, ideal in tropical/subtropical conditions

• Optimal Range: 22–30°C (72–86°F)

• Minimum: Keep above 15°C (59°F) to avoid stress or dormancy

🪴 Soil & Potting

• Use well-draining, rich soil (mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well)

• Containers should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging

• Outdoors, amend soil with organic matter for best results

🌱 Propagation & Dormancy

• Propagation:

  • Via tuber division in spring

  • Make sure each piece has at least one eye (growth point)

• Dormancy:

  • May go dormant in cooler months

  • Foliage dies back — store tubers dry in a cool, dark spot until spring

  • Resume watering when new growth emerges

⚠️ Common Issues

• Scorched leaves: Too much direct sun

• Drooping/yellowing: Overwatering or poor drainage

• Pests: Occasionally mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids

• Toxicity: Like all caladiums, toxic if ingested (keep away from pets and kids)

🌟 Why ‘Wang Thong’ is Special

• A Thai hybrid known for its elegant soft coloration and vivid venation

• Adds a touch of tropical luxury to patios, shaded gardens, or indoor plant collections

• Often used in Caladium shows and displays due to its unique variegation