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Why are the leaves of my Caladium turning brown and soft?

Caladiums are known for their broad vibrant leaves, so when they start to go soft and brown it can be concerning. Brown soft leaves usually occur when the plant is getting watered too often or has been exposed to cold temperatures.

Detail of Caladium plant

Watering

Water when the top 25% of soil is dry when the plant is actively growing. Water thoroughly and discard any excess water. If the plant is in a dormant state, water sparingly only when the soil is all the way dry to prevent the tuber from drying out. Soggy soil will cause tuber rot and the eventual death of your plant.

Temperature

Caladiums are not cold hardy plants and do not do well in temperatures below 65°F. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will cause the plant to wilt. Try to keep them in an environment around 65-80°F in a warm humid spot away from drafty areas or open vents.

Need more help?

We're confident your Caladium will be back to normal in no-time, but if you've followed the steps above and things just aren't improving you can contact us here.