Caladium Best Growing Conditions

How to plant caladiums.

Caladium best growing conditions. Best soil for caladiums. If you are looking for the fanciest foliage plant that can grow in the shade then what else than beautiful caladiums. Buy potted caladiums ready to plant or grow them from tubers. Growing requirements for caladium plants.

Caladiums are tuberous tropical plants that are grown for their spectacularly colorful foliage. Weeds compete with plants for water space and nutrients so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Growing caladiums is easy with proper caladium care. Though they re sometimes called bulbs they are really tubers plant tubers point side up about 1 to 1 1 2 inches deep.

Caladiums will grow in most all soil types. Caladiums thrive in warm humid shade and dazzle in shade gardens with their large pointed arrow shaped leaves splashed with shades of green white cream pink. The caladium prefers indirect light or moderate shade indoors. Growing caladium in your garden.

Bulbs may not last for multiple seasons in less than ideal soils but they will grow just fine for a single season even in hostile mediums. Although tropical they grow fast enough to be enjoyed as annuals during the summer in cooler climates and all year long as houseplants. Caladiums grow in many different sizes so make sure to choose a container that allows for sufficient growth. Caladiums are easy to grow plants but they tend to be fussy about their growing conditions.

Caladiums are hardy. Keep weeds under control during the caladium growing season. Caladiums grown in full sun will require more water and will have a bit shorter life span due to the harsher growing conditions. The narrower the leaves the greater the sun it can withstand.

Caladiums need well drained soil that s rich in organic matter such as mushroom compost or chopped leaves. These tropical like plants are commonly grown for their multi colored foliage which may be green white red or pink. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. With 100s of cultivars eye catching variegation colored midribs diverse edges and textures having hues of pink white green.

Primarily they like heat plenty of moisture and relatively high humidity. The planter should be at least 18 inches wide and deep and it should have drainage. Growing them outdoors in containers gives you more control over light conditions. Fertilizer if needed should be.

Most varieties of caladium prefer to grow in a partially shaded area of the garden but will tolerate morning sun. Though they will grow no matter which way you orient them planting with the top side up will provide you with the shortest sprouting time and the happiest plant. In some climates container plants can be grown in full sun with careful monitoring.