The genus Caladium consists of tropical perennial plants cultivated for their colorful, showy foliage. The ‘Burning Heart’ cultivar is a particularly vibrant selection, prized for its unique and intense coloring. As a tuberous plant, it thrives in warm, humid conditions, making it a popular choice for adding an exotic feel to containers, landscapes, and indoor spaces during the growing season. This cultivar is valued by gardeners seeking a non-traditional color palette for high-impact foliage displays.
Distinctive Features and Appearance
The appeal of ‘Burning Heart’ is centered on its decorative, fancy-leaf foliage. These leaves are heart-shaped (cordate) with an upright growth habit, typically reaching 15 to 20 inches in height. The foliage exhibits a deep, bronzy-red base color, generously speckled with light orangey-pink or salmon-orange spots. This combination creates a striking, rich hue considered a breakthrough color among Caladium varieties.
Optimal Environmental Requirements
Maintaining consistently warm temperatures, ideally between 75°F and 80°F during the day, is necessary for growth. The plant cannot tolerate cold; growth slows below 65°F, and frost is lethal. ‘Burning Heart’ is more sun-tolerant than many other cultivars, with its most saturated bronze coloration developing when exposed to partial to full sun. It requires high humidity, which can be maintained indoors by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Cultivation and Seasonal Care
The growing medium should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and kept consistently moist, as the plant does not tolerate dry soil. When watering, allow only the top inch of soil to dry out before soaking the medium thoroughly. Planting should occur only after the soil temperature has warmed to at least 65°F, ensuring the tuber is buried about two inches deep.
The plant benefits from a light feeding schedule during its active summer growth. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at about one-quarter strength every two weeks to prevent leaf burn and stretching. As autumn approaches and temperatures fall below 60°F, the foliage will naturally begin to yellow and die back, signaling the start of the dormancy phase.
In areas where the ground freezes, the tubers must be lifted and prepared for winter storage. Once the leaves have withered, the tubers should be dug up, allowed to dry for a week or two, and then stored in a dry medium like peat moss or vermiculite. The storage location needs to be cool and dry, with temperatures maintained between 50°F and 60°F until the tubers are ready to be replanted the following spring.
Toxicity and Pet Safety
Like all species in the Caladium genus, ‘Burning Heart’ contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts of the plant toxic if ingested. Chewing or biting the leaves releases these needle-shaped crystals, causing immediate pain, burning, and severe irritation in the mouth and throat. Symptoms may also include excessive drooling, swelling, and vomiting. The plant is toxic to common household pets, including dogs and cats.