How To Plant Caladium Tubers

Their size depends on the variety.

How to plant caladium tubers. Next water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. To make it easier for these smaller buds to grow after planting caladium bulbs many gardeners find it helpful to lift out the large bud with a knife. To grow caladiums plant the tubers in a moist shady location at least 6 to 8 inches apart in well draining soil. Planting and growing our classic caladium bulbs is a breeze.

You can dig the tubers in the fall season before they have lost their leaves and color to save the caladium tubers for the next planting season. Plant caladium bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees. Their rest period isn t determined by temperature or light cycle but by how long the plant has been growing. For the most part each tuber has a large bud which is often surrounded by smaller ones.

In areas where tubers need to be dug up for the winter digging up a pot simplifies removal but you ll need more storage room. After the tubers have rooted and the plants are growing plant them in the garden when all danger of frost is over. Caladiums can be purchased as potted plants or dormant tubers. If you are planting the caladium tubers directly in the field you are advised to carry out a soil test before you plant to determine the nutrients that the caladiums might require.

Space the tubers 8 to 12 inches apart depending on how large the cultivar you are planting grows in well prepared beds. Caladiums like well drained soil. Caladiums are tropical plants and cannot tolerate any frost and only emerge when the soil is warm. Indoors or out caladiums are a seasonal plant with foliage in the summer and a rest period in the autumn or winter.

Mound an area for. T hese hardy plants just need a little warm soil and some occasional watering and fertilizer to provide vibrant colors all season long. Plant the tubers so that top is covered by 2 inches of soil. To keep them blooming fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5 10 10 fertilizer.

Select a location in shade or part sun with a good rich moist organic soil. If the area puddles after a good rain you might want to look elsewhere to plant your bulbs.