The term “Angel Wings Plant” commonly refers to two distinct genera, Caladium and Senecio candicans, both primarily grown for their striking foliage. Successfully cultivating either plant outdoors requires understanding their tropical or Mediterranean origins and adapting to seasonal climate shifts. Outdoor exposure allows for robust growth during the summer, but it also necessitates proactive preparation to ensure the plant’s survival when temperatures decline.
Selecting the Ideal Outdoor Location and Soil
The optimal placement for an Angel Wings Plant hinges on the variety, as their light needs contrast sharply. Caladium requires protection from intense sunlight, performing best in bright, filtered light or dappled shade. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch its delicate leaves. Conversely, Senecio candicans thrives in full sun, needing at least four to six hours of direct light daily to maintain its compact, bright appearance. Some afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot climates.
Temperature thresholds are strict for successful spring planting, as both plants are highly sensitive to cold and cool soil. Caladium should not be planted outdoors until the soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F to 70°F, and nighttime air temperatures remain above 60°F. Planting too early can stunt growth or cause the tubers to rot. Senecio candicans is slightly more tolerant, preferring air temperatures between 60°F and 85°F, and must be protected from temperatures below 50°F.
Both varieties demand well-draining soil, but their composition preferences vary due to their differing origins. Caladium is a tropical plant requiring rich, moisture-retentive soil, ideally amended with organic matter to maintain a slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 6.5). Senecio candicans, a succulent, needs a grittier, sandy mix, similar to a cactus blend, to ensure rapid water drainage. Providing the correct substrate is necessary to prevent root and tuber rot.
Essential Summer Maintenance
Watering routines must be adjusted specifically for the plant variety and environmental conditions, as overwatering is a common cause of failure. Caladium requires the soil to be consistently moist but never soggy throughout the active summer growing season to support its large, moisture-loving foliage. Applying organic mulch around the base helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, reducing watering frequency during dry spells.
Senecio candicans is drought-tolerant and should be watered far less often, only when the top one to two inches of soil has completely dried out. Saturating the soil and then allowing it to dry slightly encourages deep root growth and protects the plant from rot. Container-grown plants of either type require more frequent watering than those planted directly in the ground due to faster evaporation.
Routine feeding supports the production of vibrant, large foliage. Caladium benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 12-6-6 or 15-9-12) applied every four to six weeks, or bi-weekly if container-grown. Using a fertilizer lower in phosphorus is recommended to encourage leaf growth over tuber development, which is beneficial for annual displays. Senecio candicans requires minimal fertilization; a diluted, balanced liquid feed applied once a month during the peak growing season is usually sufficient to maintain vigor without promoting soft, over-succulent growth.
Maintenance tasks focus on aesthetics and preventing disease spread. Regularly removing yellowing or damaged leaves redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth and enhances airflow. Tropical pests like aphids and spider mites can occasionally affect Caladium foliage, managed typically with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. For Senecio, ensuring good air circulation and removing old, decaying lower leaves is the best defense against fungal issues.
Preparing for Cold Weather and Dormancy
The transition from summer to fall requires action to protect Angel Wings Plants from cold damage. For Caladium, which grows from a tuber, preparation begins when fall temperatures consistently drop below 60°F, or when the foliage naturally starts to yellow and droop. This yellowing signals the plant is entering its dormant phase and drawing energy back into the tuber for winter storage.
The most common strategy in non-tropical climates is to lift the tubers from the ground before the first hard frost. After digging, the tubers should cure in a dry, protected location for one to two weeks with the foliage still attached until it becomes brittle. Once cured, the dry foliage is removed, and the tubers are cleaned of excess soil. They are then stored in a dry medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust.
The ideal storage environment for Caladium tubers is a cool, dry place where temperatures remain consistently between 50°F and 65°F. Storing them in a warm, dark basement or closet prevents freezing while maintaining the dry conditions necessary to prevent fungal rot. For Senecio candicans, which is often grown as an annual in cooler regions, the simplest method is to treat it as a perennial by bringing it indoors.
Potted Senecio candicans should be moved to a protected area, such as an unheated garage or a bright sunroom, when temperatures threaten to fall below 50°F. If kept indoors as a houseplant, it requires bright light and a sharp reduction in watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications. This shift to a cooler, drier environment mimics its dormancy period and ensures survival until it can be moved back outside the following spring.