They are often known by the common name elephant ear (which they share with the closely related genera Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma), heart of Jesus,[3] and angel wings.

[5] They grow in open areas of the forest and on the banks of rivers and go dormant during the dry season.

[6][7] From Malay Keladi, which refers to a few genera within the Araceae family (Alocasia, Caladium and Dieffenbachia).

[1] Several species are grown as ornamental plants for their large, arrowhead-shaped leaves marked in varying patterns in white, pink, and red (somewhat resembling the unrelated coleus) and have been in cultivation in Europe since the late 18th century.

[citation needed] In recent years, many new varieties have become available through breeding and are now largely disease resistant.

An annual festival is held during the last weekend of July in Lake Placid, Florida, home to a majority of the world's caladium fields.

A popular activity is a tour of the fields of caladiums, the product of local growers.

Many universities feature caladiums at field trials, you may also find displays at arboretums and many public gardens.

They prefer a moderate shady place with indirect sunlight, high humidity, and a well-structured watering schedule.