Planting Caladium Bulbs In Containers

Once spring returns you can replant outdoors.

Planting caladium bulbs in containers. Peat moss compost ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and. If you are growing caladiums in containers they can be overwintered indoors. Wash used containers in hot soapy water rinse well and then soak them in a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water for at least five minutes. Four to six weeks ahead of the last frost date for your area.

Caladiums as house plants when growing indoors in pots are a stunning addition to any room s design and feeling. Now that you know how to plant caladiums you can add these pretty plants to your landscape. Store the tubers in a cool dry location. 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.

Caladiums need rich well drained soil. If you re planting caladiums in pots a standard rich potting soil will do. Caladium bulbs are sold in various size grades based on the diameter of the bulb. Plant these in containers or in a garden bed.

Tuck the tubers into a container of potting mix water regularly and fertilize every couple of weeks. Till the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches 15 2 cm and work in compost or chopped leaves to enrich it. Caladiums are easy to grow from tubers found in the garden center with summer blooming tropical bulbs in spring. Generally the larger the bulb you purchase the better the performance as the bulb is the source of energy reserve for the plant therefore the larger.

They grow well in soil with good drainage and thrive in sun or shade. Later in spring you will find nursery grown caladium plants in the garden center. Elephant s ear planting and care. 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.

Prepare the soil for planting. If there are still water puddles 5 6 hours after a hard rain scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2 3 to improve the drainage. Make sure the soil drains well by digging a hole and filling it with water.

Bigger bulbs yield more foliage go figure. Large plants are exquisite on their own and smaller plants provide an exceptional complement to other plants with color like caladiums. Planting bulbs in pots especially if you live in a cold winter area that has a short growing season start caladium tubers in pots indoors or in the greenhouse so they re already growing when you plant them outside. All containers should have multiple drainage holes.

Caladiums grow very well in pots and planters including hanging baskets. Elephant s ear bulbs produce large leafy plants which add a tropical look to a home landscape. Planting caladium bulbs is easy and with proper caladium care they will last for years. Soil temperatures are usually higher in containers and caladiums appreciate that extra heat.