Check Out These Catchy New Caladium Cultivars, Courtesy of UF/IFAS

Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have released three new caladium varieties called ‘Pinky Swear’, ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Salsa’. ‘Pinky Swear’ and ‘Salsa’ are now available, with ‘Wonderland’ ready for purchase next year.

Zhanao Deng, a plant breeder and professor of environmental horticulture with the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), works with caladium growers in Florida to develop new cultivars like this on commercial farms in the area. He recently published his research findings on these three new types, exploring their characteristics and yield potential.

Deng is also studying whether caladiums can be grown year-round through a collaboration with Bob Hartman of Classic Caladiums LLC, a nursery in Avon Park. Florida growers already produce more caladium tubers than anywhere else on Earth, meaning year-round growth would solidify Florida as the leading global supplier of caladiums.