Caladium Care Outdoors

Grow caladium outdoors or in containers for its large colored foliage.

Caladium care outdoors. Typically growing 1 to 3 feet tall caladiums have mixtures of white green pink and red leaves with contrasting leaf veins and. Approximately 98 of all caladium bulbs are from lake placid florida in the. The most important factors in caladium care are moisture and feeding. The leaves of these tropical plants range from 6 inches to 2 feet long depending on the variety.

The genus caladium includes seven species which are indigenous to brazil and to neighboring areas of south america and central america. Caladiums are tropical plants that are grown for their brightly colored foliage. Given the origin of the tubers 15 degrees celsius is a minimum. How to care for caladium indoors.

Caladiums need to be watered on a regular basis especially during dry conditions. Caladiums thrive outdoors during the warmer months and add a lush exotic touch to your yard or garden. Yes it is possible to place your caladium outdoors. Outdoor caladium care tips.

Caladiums prefer shade and in mild climates with no. Your indoor caladiums only need a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. How to feed caladiums. In the tropical south you can leave tubers in the ground year round.

But only in summertime mid and south europe. The variegated coloring is most often green with pink or white on the inner part of the leaf. Fertilize your outdoor caladiums once a month. A northern or eastern window is usually the best exposure.

Humidity is crucial to caladium houseplant care as the tubers are native to south american tropical forests and produce seasonal foliage during the rainy warm season. Use a slow release fertilizer such as osmocote outdoor indoor smart release plant food 19 6 12 or a liquid feed such as miracle gro liquid all purpose plant food 12 4 8. And keep the caladium out of the sun. Indoor caladium plants require a medium light area with protection from midday sun which will scorch the leaves.

Water your caladium often but don t over water it. The caladium cannot withstand low temperatures. Fertilizer will help strengthen the plants in order to produce adequate tubers for the following growing season. Grow caladiums in acidic soil that s moist and well drained.

Most caladiums are at home in the shade or partial shade but some varieties are more sun tolerant see caladium catalog page and can be planted in areas with little shade. They grow in open areas of the forest and on the banks of rivers and go dormant during the dry season. In fact watering them on a weekly basis is recommended.