Table of Contents
How long does it take to grow caladium bulbs?
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.
Should I soak caladium bulbs before planting?
Keeping the soil warm and wet is important. 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.
What month do you plant caladium bulbs?
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. These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are generally happier in partial shade.
Which end of a caladium bulb is up?
Plant right side up: Caladium bulbs have a rather smooth bottom side and knobby (these are actually the eyes or growing points) top side. 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.
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 caladium bulbs need sun to sprout?
SUNLIGHT: All caladiums grow well in part shade (4-6 hours of sun). Keep an eye on those growing in full sun because the soil will dry out more quickly there. Once the plants are rooted in and flourishing in your garden, they will only need average amounts of water. Early morning is the best time to water caladiums.
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.
How do I make my caladium bushy?
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.
Do caladiums like 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 long does it take for a bulb to grow?
In any case, the bulbs first need to grow roots and become established, and then they will send up top growth so I think you may still have a while to wait. The glads take 70 to 90 days to bloom, and are usually planted in succession over about a ten week period to assure a progression of blooms in the garden.
How deep should caladium bulbs be planted?
For outdoor landscape planting, find a spot where your Caladiums will receive filtered sunlight, bright indirect, or partial shade. Dig holes and plant the tubers about 2″ deep and 8–12″ apart with the growing points or “eyes” facing up.
How do you plant caladium bulbs in pots?
Start with a large planter, at least 18 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes in the bottom. Pour in an inch thick layer of small rocks. Add an inch or two of pine bark mulch or other well-draining filler material. Pour in potting mix up to within 2 inches of the rim of the container.
How do you find the bottom of a caladium bulb?
Now is a great time to purchase and plant caladium tubers (botanically, they are tubers rather than bulbs). Many people, however, can’t determine an obvious top and bottom. Once you know what to look for, it is not so hard. The rounded, smoother side is the bottom, as seen in the tuber on the right in the photo.
Are caladium annuals or perennials?
Caladium is often grown as a summer annual for the colorful foliage. Caladiums are tropical perennials with colorful, heart-shaped leaves native to tropical forests in South and Central America that have pronounced wet and dry seasons.
What grows well with caladiums?
Colorful, flowering plants such as hydrangeas, begonias, impatiens and achimenes can be planted with caladiums. Begonias are a common companion to caladiums in many gardens. Both plants grow well in filtered sunlight, and neither will overpower the other at the roots or in the blooming phase.
