Caladiums are tropical perennials that are known for their vibrant foliage. Their large, arrow-shaped, and paper-thin leaves come in a striking array of colors including whites, greens, reds, and pinks.
These showy plants make for an excellent addition to your garden if you want a splash of color that can rival many flowering plants.
If you’re wondering how to plant Caladiums in your own garden 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!
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 bulbs or tubers. These showstoppers grow best in warm, humid, and shady areas.
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For outdoor planting, choose an area where they can receive filtered sunlight, bright indirect, or partial shade. Planting holes should be about 2 inches deep and spaced 8 to 12 inches apart. The soil should also be well-draining.
Caladium bulbs can also be planted in containers as long as they have adequate draining holes. Fill with good quality, well-draining soil, 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 spring after the risk of frost has passed and daytime temperatures stay above 70 degrees.
If the soil in your garden is not warm enough, you can start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Tubers will develop sprouts and roots a few weeks after planting.
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Caladium Care
Once leaves start appearing on your plants, you need to keep the soil evenly moist. Never let the plant dry out. You can stop watering Caladiums when the leaves start to die back in winter.
Caladiums grow best at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmth and humidity allow these plants to thrive. However, avoid direct sunlight.
Make sure that your Caladiums receive filtered sunlight or partial 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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