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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.
How do I know when to water my caladium?
Water your caladium when the top 25% of soil is dry. Water thoroughly, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water to prevent root rot. When the plant goes dormant in the winter, water very sparingly to allow the plant to rest. Begin watering again in the spring to “wake” the plant out of dormancy.
Can caladiums get too much water?
Too much water and excessive fertilizer near the tubers are detrimental to caladiums. Although caladiums need lots of water, the tubers must be planted in well-draining soil so they do not sit in a waterlogged location and rot.
Do caladiums need sun or shade?
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 do you take care of a potted caladium?
Caladium is a greenhouse plant that appreciates heat and moisture. Regular but moderate watering is thus called for. All year long, and especially during summer, spray water on the leaves to recreate the moisture levels of its natural habitat. Keep the soil mix a bit moist and check that water drains properly.
Why is caladium 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.
Why are my caladium leaves dying?
Caladiums are known for their broad vibrant leaves, so when they start to go soft and brown it can be concerning. Brown soft leaves usually occur when the plant is getting watered too often or has been exposed to cold temperatures. Water when the top 25% of soil is dry when the plant is actively growing.
Are caladiums easy to care for?
These plants need warmth and high humidity indoors and outdoors. If caladium gets enough light and humidity, it will be easy to care for.
How do you save a dying caladium?
Caladiums are one of those plants that require a dormant period, where they die down to their tubers, even when grown indoors. Once the foliage dies down completely, remove the tubers from the soil and store in a paper bag in a warm dry place.
Do caladiums like rain?
Caladiums enjoy abundant moisture when they are growing but prefer to be dryer when dormant. If the area where the caladiums are growing tends to stay wet for extended periods during rainy winter weather, this can be problem, and it would be best to dig and store them.
How long do caladium leaves last?
You can expect the showy season to last for 6 months or longer. Caladiums thrive in warm, moist conditions. Give them bright, indirect light and humidity.
How do I make my caladium pink?
FEATURE — Tuck them into the garden, pop some in a container or dress up a window box. Then water as needed, add a bit of fertilizer and wait for the color explosion. The showy heart-shaped leaves of caladiums come in combinations of pink, red, white and green.
How do you water caladium plants?
Water requirements: Keep the soil evenly moist, but allow it to dry out when the leaves start to die back in fall. (Even indoors, caladiums will enter a seasonal dormancy period.) You can resume watering when new growth starts.
Is caladium an indoor plant?
Many gardeners try Caladiums as indoor plants. There are some special instructions on Caladium care indoors to keep the plants healthy and preserve the tubers. Growing Caladium as indoor plants has its challenges, though, as the plant requires high humidity and heated home interiors are generally quite arid.
Can caladiums take full sun?
Another plant that is taking the sunny side of the garden by storm is the caladium. I have always loved the way caladiums look when planted in the shade. The brightly colored foliage seems to brighten any dark spot in the garden.
Do caladiums come back?
Caladiums grow from bulbs and can come back each year. However, they are short-lived as perennials and do not survive cold temperatures, so they are often treated as annuals.
How do you make caladiums grow faster?
Because they love hot weather, the warmer the ground and air temperature when you plant, the faster they will grow. According to Caladium World, you should wait until overnight temperatures remain consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit to plant your caladium bulbs.
What are the benefits of caladium plants?
This is a shade-loving plant, which makes it an ideal choice for shaded gardens or yards, patios and inside the house. With proper care, these plants do not suffer serious diseases or insect infestations. The leaves are fragile but will thrive when protected from the wind and sun. Caladiums are often grown as annuals.
Do caladiums do well in pots?
Caladiums grow very well in pots and planters — including hanging baskets. Soil temperatures are usually higher in containers, and caladiums appreciate that extra heat. 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.
