How to Make a Stunning Paper Caladium Plant for Your DIY Valentine’s Décor

Have you ever been inspired by the delicate beauty of a caladium leaf? With its heart-shaped design and intricate vein patterns, it’s the perfect symbol of love and creativity. Today, I’m showing you how to make a lifelike paper caladium plant, ideal for Valentine’s Day or as a year-round décor piece.

This tutorial is beginner-friendly and customizable—find the template, tips, and everything you need to create your own masterpiece.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Caladium Template for Handcutting, Cricut, Silhouette- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/digital-templates/caladium

• Blush cardstock paper

• Pink/Blush Cardstock Paper (use discount code “SARAKIM10”)- https://www.12x12cardstock.shop/?p=BkRvWGQ5n

• Green Floral Wire- https://bit.ly/3pFy4ae

• Wire Cutter + Poking Tool- https://bit.ly/3uv7QEI

• Green Floral Tape- https://bit.ly/2VtGXVP

• White glue- https://bit.ly/3PAi42t

• Matte Mod Podge- https://bit.ly/4188QkV

• Thicker floral wire- https://bit.ly/3S9Wsg5

• Printer- https://bit.ly/3z1EFhI

• Cricut Maker- https://bit.ly/3M24JhI

• Silhouette Cameo- https://bit.ly/42M6Ooz

• Sponge or brush- https://bit.ly/4hMY1KG

• Styrofoam, rocks, and planter

Step 1: Print and Cut the Caladium Leaves

Download the template and print them onto blush cardstock paper or any color you like. You can either cut the shapes by hand or use a cutting machine like Cricut or Silhouette. The template includes three different versions of the caladium leaf, so feel free to mix and match sizes for variety.

Step 2: Add Texture with Matte Mod Podge

Using a sponge or brush, apply strokes of matte Mod Podge along the printed veins. The direction of your strokes will create a realistic texture, so take your time. Let the leaves dry completely (about 30 minutes).

Step 3: Shape the Leaves

Once dry, fold the leaves gently in the middle, then create a ruffled effect by curving some sections inward and others outward. Curl the edges slightly for a natural, lifelike appearance.

Step 4: Attach Floral Wire

Glue a piece of thin floral wire to the back of each leaf using white glue. Hold it down until the glue sets, then attach that to a thicker floral wire stem using floral tape. Adjust the position so the thin wire aligns closely with the thicker stem for a polished look.

Step 5: Assemble Your Plant

Create multiple leaves (I made five) and arrange them in a planter filled with Styrofoam and decorative rocks. Vary the heights for a more natural, dynamic appearance. Alternatively, display a single leaf in a small vase for minimalist charm—perfect for bookshelves or smaller spaces.

Bonus: Pair with Other Paper Plants

This paper caladium looks amazing on its own or combined with other paper plants. Check out my additional tutorials for more inspiration.

Other paper plant templates- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/digital-templates?category=Plants

Other paper plant tutorials- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGfLZEXMRJWMbOagCYg_bdLpnWA4o7bbL&si=785oCtmYby1P3OcD

-Sara Kim