Planting Caladiums - When To Plant Caladium Bulbs

Planting caladium bulbs takes little effort. They can be planted directly in the garden during spring or started indoors four to six weeks before the average frost date. Soil temperature is an important consideration, as planting too early outdoors can cause tubers to rot.

What month do you plant caladium bulbs?

A: It is best to wait until after May 1st to plant caladium bulbs. The soil temperatures should have warmed up to 70 degrees by then. If you wish to have caladiums up and growing as soon as possible, you can plant caladium plants.

Should I soak caladium bulbs before planting?

When planting caladium bulbs directly outdoors, wait until the soil temperature rises around the first part of June. Soak the bulb in warm water for about one hour and plant the bulbs bumpy side up, 2 inches deep into the gar- den. Amend the soil using a 1- to-1 ratio of soil and peat- moss and keep the location moist.

How long does it take for caladium bulbs to sprout?

Regardless of which you choose, caladium bulbs can take between two and 12 weeks to germinate. Because they love hot weather, the warmer the ground and air temperature when you plant, the faster they will grow.

Do caladium bulbs come back every year?

The caladium plant (Caladium spp.) grows from bulbs and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 and 10. In warmer climates, the bulbs will come back each year. The tubers are easily damaged by cold temperatures, so you can also remove them from the ground for the winter and replant them in the spring.

Do caladiums like sun or shade?

Caladiums grow best in shade to part shade (two to four hours of direct sun, preferably morning) or bright dappled light. In these conditions, they produce the lushest growth with large, colorful leaves.

Do caladiums multiply?

Worry not, it is only the leaves not the bulb. … Also, caladiums multiply as they grow, so one bulb may have now formed ten. (Hence, richer the soil, better the bulbs). The best thing to do is loosen up the soil from the sides and then dig for the bulbs with your hands.

How do you make caladiums Fuller?

Take a sharp knife and cut out the large central bud from your fancy leaf caladium bulbs before you plant them. This will encourage the growth of the secondary buds and give you a fuller but just as colorful plant. Fancy leaf caladiums require loose, slightly acidic soil for good root growth and are heavy feeders.

How deep do I plant caladiums?

Though they will grow no matter which way you orient them, planting with the top side up will provide you with the shortest sprouting time and the happiest plant. Planting depth. Your bulbs should be planted deep enough to cover them with 1 ½” to 2” of soil. A bit of bone meal would make your caladiums happy.

Where do Caladiums grow best?

SHADE AND SUN: Caladiums are ideal for shady yards and gardens. In southern areas they grow best in full to partial shade. In northern areas, most caladiums can also be grown in the sun as long as they get enough water and their leaves are shielded during the hottest part of the day.

How often should I water caladium bulbs?

Caladiums need to be watered on a regular basis, especially during dry conditions. In fact, watering them on a weekly basis is recommended. Caladiums that are grown in containers should be checked daily and watered as needed.

What is the best fertilizer for caladiums?

Caladiums are heavy feeders of potash and phosphorus and must have ample moisture and summer feeding of fertilizer in order to produce good tubers for the next growing season. Apply 1 tablespoon of 5-10-10 fertilizer per square foot every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

Do caladiums like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are a good source of slow-release nitrogen, but are also acidic (3.0-5.0 pH). When using them as a side dressing, concentrate on acid-loving plants such as blueberries, raspberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, hibiscus, begonias, caladiums, impatiens, gardenias, citrus (in pots), heathers and most conifers.

Is caladium poisonous to dogs?

What is Caladium Poisoning? The caladium plant is a houseplant with heart shaped leaves that look like wings. In fact, some call this plant angel wings or heart of Jesus. This plant can be very toxic to your dog.

Can you leave caladium bulbs in the ground over winter?

You may simply leave the caladium tubers in the ground if the bed where the caladiums are planted will stay relatively undisturbed and drains well. Keep the area mulched this winter to protect the tubers in case it is unusually cold. Because the ground here does not freeze, they will survive and come back up next year.

Can caladiums be grown in pots?

Caladiums grow very well in pots and planters — including hanging baskets. ... 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.

Can you save caladium bulbs?

Storing caladium bulbs is easy. Store them at 50 F. ... You should plant caladium bulbs outdoors after the last chance of frost, but you can start them indoors earlier in areas with short growing seasons. Caladiums can also be grown and stored in containers over winter.

Do I need to dig up caladium bulbs?

Dig them up

Or, dig them if you just want to make sure that they're safe over the winter. Caladiums should be dug when a number of leaves turn yellow and most of the foliage begins to look “tired” and falls over. Do not wait until all of the foliage has disappeared or you may have a hard time finding the tubers.

Do caladiums like lots of water?

Place your indoor caladiums where they'll get lots of light. Grow caladiums in acidic soil that's moist and well drained. Water your caladium often, but don't over water it.

Can Caladiums tolerate full sun?

Sun tolerant caladiums can be planted in full sun, keeping in mind that more watering may be necessary. One dwarf caladium, Red Ruffles, and one lance leaf caladium, Gingerland, are sun-loving caladiums. All caladiums are shade or filtered sun lovers.

Why are my caladiums drooping?

Lack of water is the most common reason for leaf droop. ... Caladiums are not known for having serious pest problems, but they do need a lot of water and warmth. If you are having problems with your plant's leaves drooping, check the plant over carefully to discover the cause.