Growing Caladiums In Pots

The planter should be at least 18 inches wide and deep and it should have drainage.

Growing caladiums in pots. Soil temperatures are usually higher in containers and caladiums appreciate that extra heat. Caladiums can be grown in containers or clumped together within beds and borders. Next water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. So this is an enigma to me how is it still almost unknown not only to an average home grower but even to professional home plants distributors.

T hese hardy plants just need a little warm soil and some occasional watering and fertilizer to provide vibrant colors all season long. Caladiums grow very well in pots and planters including hanging baskets. Planting and growing our classic caladium bulbs is a breeze. Caladiums grow in many different sizes so make sure to choose a container that allows for sufficient growth.

If you re growing caladiums as patio plants choose colorful ornamental pots that contrast with or complement the leaf colors. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2 3 to improve the drainage. All containers should have multiple drainage holes. Caladiums like well drained soil.

Though they re sometimes called bulbs they are really tubers plant tubers point side up about 1 to 1 1 2 inches deep. Growing caladiums is easy with proper caladium care. Caladiums are tuberous tropical plants that are grown for their spectacularly colorful foliage. If you intend to grow caladiums in containers to sink in outdoor planting beds choose functional 6 inch wide nursery pots.

In northern areas where the soil temperature may not reach 70 f until june planting caladiums in containers gives the tubers a big head start. If there are still water puddles 5 6 hours after a hard rain scout out another site. Space them 8 to 14 inches apart depending on the ultimate size of your plants as listed on the tag. To keep them blooming fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5 10 10 fertilizer.

How to plant caladiums. Peat moss compost ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and. These tropical like plants are commonly grown for their multi colored foliage which may be green white red or pink. Caladiums as house plants when growing indoors in pots are a stunning addition to any room s design and feeling.

Although tropical they grow fast enough to be enjoyed as annuals during the summer in cooler climates and all year long as houseplants. If the area puddles after a good rain you might want to look elsewhere to plant your bulbs. 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.