Caladiums are tropical foliage plants and perennials in the arum family that are known for their vibrant foliage.
Their large, arrow-shaped, and paper-thin large leaves come in a striking array and variety of colors including white leaves, greens, reds, and pinks.
Everything you Need To Know About Caladiums
These showy plants that come in many vibrant colors make for an excellent addition to your flower and garden beds if you want a splash of color that can rival many flowering new plants.
If you’re wondering how to plant Caladiums in your own garden bed then you’re in luck because today, we’ll be talking about everything you need to know about growing these vibrant tropical beauties. Let’s get started!
Different Varieties Of Caladiums
- Heart of Jesus
- Elephant ears also known as Angel Wings
- White Christmas
- Fancy Leaf Caladium also known as Caladium X Hortulanum
Finding A Spot For Your Caladium Plants
Caladium is native to South America and Central America, and naturalized in India, parts of Africa, and various tropical islands. They grow in open areas of the forest and on the banks of rivers and go dormant during the dry season.
At home, you can grow these tropical plants by planting them as new bulbs or plant caladium tubers. These showstoppers grow the best and have the best results in warm climates, high humidity, and shady areas but not full shade.
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For outdoor planting, choose an area where they can receive filtered sunlight, bright indirect light, or partial shade. Since they don’t need a lot of light.
Planting holes should be about 2 inches deep and spaced 8 to 12 inches apart. The moist soil should also be well-draining.
Caladium summer bulbs can also be planted in containers as long as they have adequate draining holes. Fill with good quality, well-draining soil, potting mix, or potting medium with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.2.
When to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Caladium bulbs are best planted in the following spring after the risk of frost and cold temperatures has passed and daytime temperatures stay above 70 degrees.
If the soil temperatures in your garden is not warm enough, you can start them indoors for the best conditions put them in a warm location or warm spot 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date and end of winter. Small tubers will develop sprouts and roots a few weeks after planting.
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Caladium Care
Once the caladium leaves and beautiful foliage start appearing on your plants, you need to keep the warm soil evenly moist. For best growth never let the plant dry out.
You can stop watering Caladiums when the large heart with colorful leaves and caladium foliage have their rest period and start to die back in winter.
Caladiums grow best at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm temperatures and humid weather allow these plants to thrive. However, avoid direct sunlight and full sun.
Make sure that your Caladiums receive filtered sunlight or part shade throughout the day.
When it comes to feeding Caladiums, a weekly dose of liquid fertilizer during the growing season is enough. Alternatively, you can use slow-release pellets to keep them well-fed.
Do you have experience growing Caladium plants, or with Caladium bulbs or Caladium care you’d like to share? Please leave your tips in the comments below.
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