Name: Caladium bicolor ‘Blusher’
Etymology:
The genus name Caladium is derived from the Malay word “keladi” for tuberous plants. The specific epithet bicolor means “two-colored”. The cultivar name ‘Blusher’ (“Blushing”) refers to the striking pink areas and veins of the leaves.
First description:
‘Blusher’ is a horticultural cultivar and has no botanical description of its own. The species Caladium bicolor was scientifically published in 1800.
Origin / Distribution:
Cultivar. Caladium bicolor is native to tropical America and is distributed from Central America to South America. The cultivar ‘Blusher’ does not occur as a natural population.
Location / Habitat:
The cultivar has no natural habitat. Caladiums prefer warm, moist conditions, bright filtered light, and a loose, well-drained substrate. During the dormant phase, the plant retreats into its tuber.
Description & Notes:
Caladium bicolor ‘Blusher’ is an attractive, tuberous foliage plant with arrow- to heart-shaped leaves. The leaf surfaces show a dark green base color, which is crisscrossed by numerous irregular pink to pink markings. Particularly striking are the bright pink main veins, which spread radially across the leaf blade and together with the light spots form a lively contrast to the green leaf margin.

For vigorous growth, ‘Blusher’ requires warmth, high humidity, and a bright location with filtered light. A loose, humus-rich substrate with good drainage prevents waterlogging and protects the underground tuber. During the growing phase, it should be watered regularly; after the leaves have died back, watering should be significantly reduced so that the tuber can complete its dormant phase undisturbed.