CALADIUM

Planting caladium bulbs

Caladiums are tropical plants and therefore it is important to plant them indoors in a warm environment with a constant temperature of 20 degrees or more. Caladium bulbs have a rough, knobby side (here are the growing tips) and a smoother side. Plant the Caladium bulbs with the growing tips up. Caladium bulbs like to be planted in rich potting soil with a planting depth of about 5 centimeters. You can mix the soil with some compost if necessary. It will take about 6 to 8 weeks for the first leaves to appear. It is important to know that you should not overwater in these weeks. As soon as the leaves emerge, you will notice that the soil dries out a bit and you can water the Caladium more often. When the Caladium bulbs have sprouted multiple leaves and the outside temperatures are around 20 degrees, you can move the Caladium outside to a sheltered, shady area of the garden. 

Care of the Caladium

Caladium likes a warm place, namely a temperature of at least 20 degrees. In addition, they like to be in a shady place, where it is sufficiently moist. The Caladium would like to have enough light, but no direct sunlight. In autumn, the leaves die and the tuber hibernates. Once the leaves have died, it is important to keep the tubers frost-free. The Caladium cannot withstand frost! During the growth it is advisable to spray the area with a mist sprayer. It is important to make sure that you do not spray directly on the leaves!