Caladiums

Caladiums are full of southern charm that light up your garden!  Their leaves come in the most wonderful color combinations of white, green, chartreuse, red, and pink.  The shady spots in your yard have never looked so good. With so many varieties you are sure to find one you love!

For a big show, plant a bunch of your favorite variety! These hard working bulbs are so easy to grow they are great for all gardeners.  If you plant to early bulbs can rot, if you plant to late they just won’t grow.  Late March to Early April is the perfect time to plant. Get your bulbs or plants now and get those shady spots brightened up.  Remember that Caladiums look great planted along side your ferns, begonias or  impatients.

Caladiums – How to plant and grow

Let’s get to the basics.   Caladiums like dappled shade to shade.  They also want well drained, rich organic soil.  You want to make sure you are using your compost when you plant.  You can grow Caladiums either by bulb (they are actually tubers) or ready to plant.  For bulbs plant with the point side up about 8 to 14 inches apart and 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep.  Read your tags to make sure your spacing is correct for the variety you purchased.  Make sure you are watering your Caladiums regularly and keep the soil a little moist.  Make sure you mulch over the bulbs and around the plants to conserve water and retain moisture.  Make sure you don’t let them dry out.  We suggest a water soluble plant food once a month.

As a side note – unless you live in the tropical south you have to dig your bulbs up each year and replant next year.  When you dig them up remove any roots and leaves.  Let your bulbs dry for a few days in a shaded area.  Put them in dry peat moss and store in a spot that is about 50 to 60 degrees until time to replant.

How To Grow

X