All Caladiums Aren't Created Equal
A tropical plant that grows from tubers, Caladiums are for the novice and master gardener. They provide a tropical (and more specifically, in my opinion, New Orleans) feel to any landscape. While all caladiums will thrive in shady environments, only a few will do well in full sun. To learn more, keep reading!
How to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Ideally planted sometime in mid-April through May, you can save a few dollars and plant the bulbs [tubers], or if you like more instant gratification, you can plant grown plants. If you decide to plant the bulbs, be aware that you must plant them in the proper direction. When looking at the tuber, has it sprouted yet? If you see a little sprout, then, easy! Plant that bulb two inches below the soil, with the sprout facing up. If there is no sprout, try to identify the smoother side. The smooth side is the bottom. And the top, where it will sprout, typically has a few more bumps and lumps.
Shade vs Sun Caladiums
Every variety of caladiums is slightly different. They differ in color, varying from shades of white, pink, red, green, speckled and patterned in countless combinations! They vary in sun tolerance. The “Fancy Leaf” caladiums require full shade to part shade. They can tolerate some sun in the early morning, but by the afternoon, they need to be in the shade. The “Strap Leaf” caladiums can tolerate some more sun, but make sure they get enough water! They’ll do fine in full shade to part shade. But if your flower bed receives any type of afternoon sun, you’ll need the Strap Leaf varieties. They vary in leaf shape and size. All are slightly different. The leaf size can range from 6 to 12 (maybe even more) inches long. And can be more heart shaped, or teardrop shaped. And lastly, they vary in height. So, if you need them to be 12 to 18 inches tall, do your research! Because not all varieties will get that tall.
How to Care for Caladiums
Remember, caladiums are tubers—so they cannot stay too wet for too long, otherwise they’ll rot. Make sure your flower bed is appropriately prepped. Chop in, or till, garden soil or soil conditioner to promote drainage. Yet at the same time, make sure that they’re getting enough water! And lastly, add an all-purpose fertilizer to the soil.
Fertilize your caladiums with a healthy amount of nitrogen. Remember the format for fertilizers: N-P-K. The first number is nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth. And after all, you’re growing your caladiums for the foliage, not a flower. Which leads me to my second point, that the second number, the “P,” for Phosphorous, promotes blooms. So, you don’t need a high amount of that element for your caladiums.
Grown for their fun colors & patterns, and lack of maintenance, caladiums are an excellent addition to any landscape. And they also make a great “Filler” or “Thriller” in your potted plants or hanging baskets. So, take advantage of this versatile, heat-tolerant plant this summer, and get planting!
Written by John MacMillan
