I’m a big believer in the idea that beauty is everywhere if you know how to look for it. The great thing about the Sunshine State is that you don’t have to look hard at all to find beauty, and not only do Floridians know it, they literally cultivate it! For proof, look no further than the “Caladium Capital of the World” right here in Central Florida!
What is a Caladium?
Think you’ve never come across this plant? Think again! You might’ve heard these heart-shaped leaves called angel wings or elephant ears, but you’ve almost certainly seen them growing in pots at plant nurseries or your green-thumbed friend’s home. If you live in a warm and wet climate (like Florida!), you may have seen them growing wild outdoors as well.
Originally from the tropical forests of Brazil, Lake Placid now grows 98% of the world’s caladiums for potting and landscaping. No wonder Lake Placid is considered the world capital, huh?
One last important thing to note: every part of the plant is poisonous and can be irritating to skin, so feel free to look, but don’t ingest or touch for prolonged periods of time if you suspect you might have a reaction.
Florida’s Lake Placid Caladium Festival
It’s worth reading the full history, but the abbreviated version is two competing caladium growers—the Bates and the Phypers—coordinated their efforts to organize the festival. They gave out free caladium tubers and invited other farmers and members of the community to come together in a celebration of such an integral part of the local economy and educating visitors in the process. Tell me that doesn’t sound like something out of a storybook!
Thirty three years later, on the last weekend in July, locals and out-of-towners alike will gather at Stuart Park to enjoy a car and bike show, a floral arrangement competition, arts and crafts booths, free entertainment, lots of food, and more at this year’s festival. Best part? It’s free to attend, though bus tours cost extra. For more information, you can visit the official website.
Can’t Attend the Caladium Festival This Year?
You can still bring a little greenery into your home. You already know you can purchase a potted caladium—usually straight from Lake Placid—wherever you buy houseplants. However, if you’re worried about a furry friend taking an ill-fated chomp out of it, consider showing your love for caladiums with one of these alternatives from Florida’s Etsy sellers:
Wear your love of caladiums with this pair or this pair of colorful handmade caladium earrings!
Do you drop your phone as often as I do? Try a caladium phone grip!
Found this blog while planning your next tree to see the Mouse? You will LOVE this adorable Dumbo Disney trading pin!
Bring the color of caladiums to your decor with an oil painting!
But for those of us already growing caladiums in our gardens, how cute would this caladium bird bath look next to them?
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A breathtaking view of Florida's colorful caladium fields captivates with its beauty and vastness.
Have you ever been to the Calladium festival? How did you discover it, and how did you like it? Tell me the story in the comments!
Love & Sunshine,
Frances