Caladium Bulbs Growing
Caladiums have proven to be excellent bedding plants for full shade to full sun.
Caladium bulbs growing. How to grow caladium plants. Caladium bulbs may be started inside 6 8 weeks before all danger of frost has passed. 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. Caladiums are seasonal plants even in the tropics where gardeners plant them in the spring and summer months when they ll thrive in the heat and wet.
Buy potted caladiums ready to plant or grow them from tubers. When grown indoors they do best with lots of heat bright but indirect light and plenty of humidity. Mulch around the planting and keep moist throughout the season. Next water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy.
How to plant caladium bulbs. Planting caladiums is very easy. Please check planting zone chart for ideal planting times. Plant the top of the bulb 1 1 2 to 2 inches below the surface with the eyes up.
T hese hardy plants just need a little warm soil and some occasional watering and fertilizer to provide vibrant colors all season long. Though they re sometimes called bulbs they are really tubers plant tubers point side up about 1 to 1 1 2 inches deep. To grow caladiums plant the tubers in a moist shady location at least 6 to 8 inches apart in well draining soil. Caladiums grown in full sun will require more water and will have a bit shorter life span due to the harsher growing conditions.
Caladiums will grow in most all soil types. Growing and taking care of the caladium plant does not require any technicalities because these plants can be planted in containers or beds and borders. How to plant caladiums. For full sun tolerant varieties see individual variety pictures.
Cover with 1 inch of soil. Space them 8 to 14 inches apart depending on the ultimate size of your plants as listed on the tag. Though caladium plants are considered to be heat loving plants they are at the same time very tolerant of temperatures. They require a warm soil in order to emerge so consider using a heat mat.
Plant bulbs 8 12 inches apart. Planting and growing our classic caladium bulbs is a breeze. Fertilize every six weeks with a 6 6 6 type fertilizer or slow. Caladiums will perform well in most any soil.
If the area puddles after a good rain you might want to look elsewhere to plant your bulbs. The knobby side should be up as these are the growing points. To keep them blooming fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5 10 10 fertilizer.