We’d love to know. With the article, I was able to do it on my, "I didn't know anything about Caladiums, or even what they were (except that they grow wild in my garden), until, "Didn't know anything about the caladium plant, and now I see I can plant indoors or out. Related: Elephant's Ear Plant Care "For a big show of color, pick your favorite selection and plant a bunch," Stewart says. Do you bother to try and overwinter caladium tubers, or do you just buy new plants each year? Thank you for all the excellent info! Hybridizing Caladiums -(making Caladium Babies): Caladiums grow colorful heart shaped leaves from spring to fall. Caladiums come in many different colors and varieties. Fertilizer will help strengthen the plants in order to produce adequate tubers for the following growing season. Now that you know how to plant caladiums, you can add these pretty plants to your landscape. Plants should never dry out completely, nor should they have “wet feet.” Options at Season’s End. Learn when and how to plant the bulbs in the garden or in containers. deep with the knobs, or eye buds, facing up. Sign up for our newsletter. 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. Repotting: Repot when plant becomes too large, use well-aerated potting mixture. Caladium bulbs or tubers should be established with one and a half to two inches of soil on top. Fill the container with well-drained multi-purpose compost and vermiculite. SHOP LFG Buy Fall Planted Bulbs Buy Spring Planted Bulbs Buy Amaryllis … This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. If the water soaks in, the soil is well-draining. "If you plant too early, when the soil is still cool, your bulbs will rot," he says. Dig a hole 3 to 4 inches deep for the caladium houseplant. Special Care: Caladiums go dormant in the fall and their leaves die back. Then cut off the foliage, place the tubers in a netted bag or box, and cover in dry peat moss. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. All of which can make a dramatic statement in the landscape. After the roots emerge in 2 to 3 weeks, fertilize weekly with … It depends on the cultivar. If you’re growing fancy leaf caladium from tubers, it’s best to plant them in beds about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. When you're ready to plant the caladiums in the garden, work your fingers under the rooted tubers along one side of the flat, removing the rooted mass from the flat. You can replant the tubers in the spring after the final frost! Store the tubers in a cool, dry location. This does not include the size of the leaves. If you love the look of the elephant ear plant (Alocasia spp. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Plant the bulbs in Spring when the frost has passed. The whole leafs can be in different shades of red – from pink to almost black. These plants have very large leaves that do not have stems. If you don’t live in a frost-free zone, you will need to lift your corms from the soil at season’s end, like you would do with dahlias and canna lilies, to store them until the appropriate time for replanting next year. unlocking this expert answer. If you grow caladiums in containers instead of in the ground, you may bring your pots indoors when nighttime temperatures begin to dip below 60°F, where they may thrive as houseplants. The arrow-shaped leaves of the caladium come in a variety of multicolored combinations and can be grown both indoors and out. Let the tubers dry out for a few days and then store them with dry peat moss in a box or paper bag in a dark cool place for the winter. If you’re growing caladiums indoors, keep them in a warm room with plenty of light until outside temperatures are warm enough to transplant. Caladiums are very popular plants because they have very attractive and colorful leaves that can be exceedingly ornamental. How do I plant my bulbs? Do caladiums produce flowers? However you plant them, always plant tubers with the eyes face-up. It can be red and white splashes on green surface or brightly red colored or white areas around midribs and margins of the leaf’s disk. It will take a good three to four weeks for any sprouts to show but then they should be looking quite good. You'll have that long to figure out how you are going to grow out the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) By using our site, you agree to our. Choose … To grow caladiums, plant the tubers in a moist, shady location at least 6 to 8 inches apart in well-draining soil. Although tropical, they grow fast enough to be enjoyed as annuals during the summer in cooler climates and all year long as houseplants. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This article has been viewed 107,120 times. Old fashioned ones like "White Queen" grow to 3 feet tall. The large-leaf ones like "White Queen" can get 3ft tall. Move dormant plant to a dark area that is around 60 degrees F. Water once a month while the plant is dormant. To keep them blooming, fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5-10-10 fertilizer. For the most part, each tuber has a large bud, which is often surrounded by smaller ones. When planted directly from the tuber, the caladium should be planted about one to two inches deep. [2] X Research source The tubers begin growing at 70 °F (21 °C), and caladiums will die if the temperature falls any lower. Plants should never dry out completely, nor should they have “wet feet.” Options at Season’s End. HELP My Account Help Center Contact Us Website Map . ABOUT US About Longfield Quality Guarantee. You won't find a better plant for reliable color in areas that get some shade. If you don’t live in a frost-free zone, you will need to lift your corms from the soil at season’s end, like you would do with dahlias and canna lilies, to store them until the appropriate time for replanting next year. Caladium tubers should be planted about one to two inches deep with the knobs, or eye buds, facing up. Since the main target in the planting of Caladium plants is in the beautiful foliage, you can remove the flowers as soon as they start to show because flowers consume a lot of food reducing the size of the tube. A good rule of thumb in determining when to plant out caladiums is to set them out at the same time okra seed is planted in the vegetable garden. When watering the indoor plants, you have to find a balance between overwatering and underwatering. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. They are relatively hardy plants and rather elementary to culture. It is also a good way to know which direction to plant the bulb in, though it will come up even if you sow it upside down. Always plant after Mother's Day, when the soil has warmed. If you plan to include other plants with the caladiums, do so now, and water the plants. general information (which wikiHow provided). If you are growing Caladiums in containers, then check the soil condition every day and water if needed. Do not water your plant yet if you plan to propagate it so that the soil will be compact and the whole soil with the roots will come out together. Indoors or out, caladiums are a seasonal plant, with foliage in the summer and a rest period in the autumn or winter. Subsequently, question is, should I soak caladium bulbs before planting? Spray your indoor caladium to imitate the moist air of a greenhouse [source: Plant … If you’re dealing with tubers, all you have to do is fill up the container you’ve selected with standard potting soil, stopping a few inches below the rim. ), but you're on the hunt for more colourful varieties, then caladiums (Caladium spp.) If you haven't grown caladiums, consider making this the year that you learn first hand about these wonderful plants. The list below outlines the proper time for planting caladiums based on USDA hardiness zones: Hardiness zones 9, 10 – March 15 Create lush border areas with the large, tropical looking, heart-shaped leaves of caladium, or use it as a tall ground cover under trees and in shrub beds. Plant them out again when the next growing season begins. 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. 4/13/96-Host Sue Gray gives viewers tips on planting caladium bulbs. They grow well in soil with good drainage, and thrive in sun or shade. Never allow bulbs to freeze. Caladiums are commonly grown in containers or outdoors as bedding plants and mass plantings in shady spots. All the best to you and have a good day. Caladiums grow best in warm, moist, organically-rich acidic soil. 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. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Make sure the stem – the pointed end of the tuber – is pointing upward. Or you can dig a trench a few inches deep in a shaded spot if you plan on growing the plants in the ground. Caladiums require warm, moist, well-drained soil to grow. Don't plant them right away -- they will sprout in the package when you see the tip pop out of the tuber then that will be the top up. You will need a container at least 15cms deep and big enough for the bulb itself and to allow space for the roots to develop. Admin note: This post for the care of caladium plants first appeared on the blog in December of 2012. Caladium Planting and Care Select a planting location that has dappled sunlight or partial shade with only two to six hours of sun each day. Before putting in the soil, shake the roots loose to promote growth. Last Updated: April 18, 2020 They are semi-tropical plants thought to have originated in the Amazon basin of Brazil. Keep the soil barely moist but not wet. A good boost for getting ready to plant.". Caladium tubers should be planted about one to two inches deep with the knobs, or eye buds, facing up. As a rule, yes. While newer dwarf varieties "Little Miss Muffet" and "Florida Sweetheart series" are only 8 inches to a foot. ", "Very informative. These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are generally happier in partial shade. … Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Of course, this is up to the individual and will not adversely affect the overall growth of your caladiums. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Caladiums are ideal for both new and experienced gardeners because they are so easy to grow. Just use the comment section below to tell us your experiences with these lovely plants. Caladiums can be grown in containers or clumped together within beds and borders. Support wikiHow by If the water stands, the soil doesn't drain well enough; you'll need to mix it with organic matter to loosen it up. These plants do have a dormant period but during the growing season they require moist soil. Planting tubers in cool soil results in slow growth or tuber rot. deep and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm.) A good thing about caladiums is that they are quick to come up so you can plant them at any point of time during summers and the leaves will show up in a few days. Fancy-leaf caladiums have large, heart-shaped leaves. Typically growing 1 to 3 feet tall, caladiums have mixtures of white, green, pink … There are many varieties with different colors and patterns available to purchase, but I prefer to make my own hybri… If you're growing caladiums as patio plants, choose colorful, ornamental pots that contrast with or complement the leaf colors. They are also at home indoors in pots. Prune the dead foliage or foliage that turns yellow. Strap-leaf caladiums are shorter plants with bunches of leaves. If you plan on adding some old-fashioned goodness to your shady spots, caladiums are one of the most colorful options around. Growing caladiums is easy with proper caladium care. Caladiums in containers do well as patio or deck plants. They do very well in a shade garden. No, do not treat the caladiums with bleach. How do you grow caladiums? Most caladium varieties develop the best leaf color in partial shade, although they will grow in full shade. Once you do, the plants will be happy and will grow, produce new gorgeous leaves, and thrive. Plant care. You can certainly purchase them now but keep them in a warm, dry closet until the weather really gets hot. The beautiful leaves look great beneath trees, dotted around shrubs, in window boxes, in borders and as patio plants. When Do You Plant Caladium 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. ", "I learned from this article which soil is good for caladiums. This article has been viewed 107,120 times. Brilliant, translucent caladiums add a shock of color to the dark, moist areas of your garden where other flowers may not grow as well. Flowering Bulbs for Geogia Gardens. While most of us concentrate on our favorite flowers - often varieties that bloom for a short portions of the season - we often have yet to embrace foliage plants that … Can I start caladiums inside? If you are planting caladiums in northern climes, you can start the bulbs earlier in a warm, moist (not soggy) place inside and give them a head start (see the interesting tip from Ed Groff at the bottom of this page). These plants love the shade and will bring a touch of color to all the shaded areas in your garden. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 107,120 times. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Early planting in cool earth results in slow growth and tuber rot as the tubers sit for long periods of time in moist soil. Caladium / k ə ˈ l eɪ d i əm / is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae.They are often known by the common name elephant ear (which they share with the closely related genera Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma), heart of Jesus, and angel wings.There are over 1000 named cultivars of Caladium bicolor from the original South American plant. Caladiums are tuberous tropical plants that are grown for their spectacularly colorful foliage. Caladiums are tropical foliage plants; they catch the eye with their multicolored leaves. A good thing about caladiums is that they are quick to come up so you can plant them at any point of time during summers and the leaves will show up in a few days. Remember that the leaves can grow large, so be sure that there’s a good bit of space between your tubers; about 8 to 12 inches is recommended. of little Caladium plants you will produce. Upon purchasing, if the pot is too small, proceed to repot the plant … Usually new growth covers old foliage pretty quickly. Plant them 2-3″ deep and keep the spike (if any) showing a little. Some varieties now exist that tolerate full sun, espec… How to Plant Caladiums. A soil temperature of 70 degre… Next, water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. It is easier to divide potted plants since the roots are contained inside the pot. Large plants are exquisite on their own and smaller plants provide an exceptional complement to other plants with color, like Caladiums. But when to plant caladium bulbs varies depending on where you live. Although tropical, they grow fast enough to be enjoyed as annuals during the summer in cooler climates and all year long as houseplants. When you plant caladiums, you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Use about a teaspoon per bulb. "I just bought bulbs because the leaves are pretty without previously checking about them, so I was looking for, "I wanted to save my Caladiums for next year. Do Caladiums Bloom: What Is The Flower-Like Bud On Caladium Plant, bringing caladiums out of winter storage and Caladium Care Indoors – Growing Caladiums As Indoor Plants These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are generally happier in partial shade. apart. The combination of colors in caladium plants … They look green with a beautiful red in the middle. You can add them to your landscape in hanging baskets or containers, as borders, and as landscape accent plants. Plant the top of the bulb 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the surface with the eyes up. The size varies by cultivar. Mulch around the planting and keep moist throughout the season. I needed to know how to dig, prepare, and store the Caladium bulbs, "I bought caladium bulbs and didn't know how to plant or care for them. Planting Caladiums is very easy. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Stunting can occur if the bulbs were stored in a cold place. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. I'm worried that I planted them upside down. Can I cut off the larger leaves without hurting the plant if they are too close together? When you plant caladiums, you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. If the soil is sandy, mix in some peat moss to improve moisture retention. Their size depends on the variety. As an example, take Richmond, VA -- plant the tubers in early May. Read on to learn how to grow and care for caladiums. Plant in late winter or early spring as soon as tubers become available at nurseries. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Adulting 101: Learn How to Raise Your Credit Score. Caladiums make great companion plants for Impatiens, Ferns and Begonias. Set them out when the leaves are six inches tall. One of the most important things you can do for proper care of caladiums is to plant at the right time. They can also be grown outdoors, but unless you live in zones 9 to 11, you should plan to grow them as annuals, or dig up the plants' tubers at the end of the growing season and store them for winter. Place your indoor caladiums where they'll get lots of light. Most caladiums tubers used worldwide are produced in Florida - in fact, a commercial grower's fields of these plants is one spectacular sight to behold. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Remove them from soil, and cut off all growth above the soil line. Caladium tubers should be planted about one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) Store them in a cool, dry place in a paper bag to which peat moss has been added. Our first step on how to propagate caladiums is to remove the whole plant from the pot. Caladiums do best in humid conditions which makes them an ideal plant in the South Eastern part of the USA. A good rule of thumb is to plant caladium tubers in the soil around the time you plant okra seed in the garden or set out tomato transplants in cool regions. You can freshen a caladium bed by interplanting with new ones, but digging up the old tubers and starting over gets the best results. Fertilize every six weeks with a 6-6-6 type fertilizer or slow release type fertilizer. Green leaves are streaked, mottled and blotched with shades of white, pink and red, often with two or more colors per leaf. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Grow-Caladiums-Step-01.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Caladiums-Step-01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Grow-Caladiums-Step-01.jpg\/aid1400792-v4-728px-Grow-Caladiums-Step-01.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"