How To Plant Caladium Bulbs In Pots

Place the tubers with the lumpy side facing up.

How to plant caladium bulbs in pots. If the area puddles after a good rain you might want to look elsewhere to plant your bulbs. Yes caladiums tend to emerge fairly late in spring even early summer when planted directly in the garden so many gardeners prefer to start them early indoors. If there are still water puddles 5 6 hours after a hard rain scout out another site. If the soil is sandy mix in some peat moss to improve moisture retention.

Plant the top of the bulb 1 1 2 to 2 inches below the surface with the eyes up. The buds may be difficult to see. Make sure the soil drains well by digging a hole and filling it with water. Peat moss compost ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and.

Keep the soil barely moist but not wet. Caladiums like well drained soil. Adding a 1 inch layer of small rocks also helps promote water drainage. After all danger of frost is over plant caladium bulbs in the garden covering them with about 1 inch of soil.

Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2 3 to improve the drainage. Soil temperatures are usually higher in containers and caladiums appreciate that extra heat. Mulch around the planting and keep moist throughout the season. Make sure to use a caladium planter or pot with pre drilled holes to allow for drainage.

If you re planting caladiums in pots a standard rich potting soil will do. 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. Caladiums grow very well in pots and planters including hanging baskets. Find the buds by running your fingers over each side of the tuber to locate the small pointed projections that form the buds of the new stems.

Planting and growing our classic caladium bulbs is a breeze. Plant one inch deep in pots large enough to accommodate the bulbs use a good quality potting soil. When you plant caladiums you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches 10 to 15 cm deep and 4 to 6 inches 10 to 15 cm apart. Outdoor beds find a location where the soil drains well.

For containers use a quality potting mix that contains peat and perlite. If you re growing caladiums indoors keep them in a warm room with plenty of light until outside temperatures are warm enough to transplant. Use about a teaspoon per bulb. Prepare the soil for planting.

Planting caladiums is very easy. Place the tuber with the bumpy bud side up. Caladiums need rich well drained soil. Start them about 6 weeks before last frost.

Mound an area for better drainage. Plant large tubers 12 inches apart and small tubers 8 inches apart covering them with 2 inches of soil. Caladium tubers are graded for size.