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All photos are an indication of the plant species and size reference only. All plants will have slight variations in coloring and condition. Decorative pot not included. Plants will be shipped in sphagnum moss or perlite.
We refer to the Hilo Beauty by it's common name, but there is a smidge of debate as to whether this eccentric camouflage baby is an Alocasia at all, as it's botanical name (Caladium Praetermissum) suggests it is a Caladium. It always looked more like a Colocasia or Caladium to me, and recently experts have reclassified this as Caladium praetermissum which is a species of its own. As far our research has gotten us, the Hilo has has been called "Alocasia Hilo Beauty" since 1981. In 2009, the Journal of the International Aroid Society 'Aroideana', Vol 32 page 126, that it was officially reidentified as a species of Caladium in a paper and has been recognized as Caladium Praetermissum since.
Care
Light: It's important to find a bright spot without direct sunlight that could burn its foliage. Caladiums love a lot of light, but can be quite sensitive when getting too close to the light.
Water: Your Caladium appreciates frequent watering (daily), especially as it grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it. Like Alocasias, little frequent watering is key. Don't let the soil dry out, don't let sit in excess water. Water when top 25% of the soil is dry to the touch.
Temperature/Humidity: Caladiums require continual warmth and humidity. Not frost tolerant.
Soil/Potting: The soil should be rich but well drained, Caladiums don't like to dry out but need a good amount of drainage to protect from root rot.
Care Tips: Caladiums generally go dormant, or at least slow down growth, in the cooler months, coming back bigger and better as the weather starts to warm up again. Don't fret, water a little less frequently and wait for her to jump into spring with eagerness.
Fun Fact: The Alocasia Hilo Beauty was renamed Caladium Praetermissum, which means overlooked or forgotten. This refers to the fact that for so long it was erroneously identified as an Alocasia. The cultivar name of 'Hilo Beauty' still applies.