Planting Caladiums From Bulbs
We have been growing quality caladiums on our farm for over 30 years.
Planting caladiums from bulbs. We recently have decided to make our products available to the public directly from the farm. The most important thing you need to take care when growing caladiums is that the soil has to be moist always. Caladiums can be purchased as potted plants or dormant tubers. If you live in zones 8 or less you will need to spend some time around the time of first frost digging caladiums up and store them for the winter.
Select a location in shade or part sun with a good rich moist organic soil. If the soil is sandy mix in some peat moss to improve moisture retention. Next water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. For the most part each tuber has a large bud which is often surrounded by smaller ones.
Caladiums are tropical plants and cannot tolerate any frost and only emerge when the soil is warm. 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. Fertilize every six weeks with a 6 6 6 type fertilizer or slow release type fertilizer. Plant caladium bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees.
Quality organic fertiliser will add strength to the caladium plant. To grow caladiums plant the tubers in a moist shady location at least 6 to 8 inches apart in well draining soil. If the area puddles after a good rain you might want to look elsewhere to plant your bulbs. Caladiums will grow in most all soil types.
Indirect to low indoors hardiness. Plant the top of the bulb 1 1 2 to 2 inches below the surface with the eyes up. Caladiums like well drained soil. We ship you caladium bulbs and elephant ear bulbs direct from the farm in lake placid florida the caladium capitol of the world.
Their size depends on the variety. The plant also needs regular feeding to grow well and show off its beautiful vivid leaves. Caladiums grown in full sun will require more water and will have a bit shorter life span due to the harsher growing conditions. Care for caladium bulbs.
To keep them blooming fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5 10 10 fertilizer. T hese hardy plants just need a little warm soil and some occasional watering and fertilizer to provide vibrant colors all season long. 3 large caladium bulbs botanical name. Zones 9 11 or indoors.
Mulch around the planting and keep moist throughout the season. Caladium hortulanum peppermint exposure. Planting and growing our classic caladium bulbs is a breeze. If you are in usda hardiness zones 9 or higher you can leave your caladium bulbs in the ground year round as they can survive the winters in these areas once established.