what to feed caladiums

Best Fertilizers for Caladiums

• Azalea, Camellia, and Rhododendron Plant Food by Miracle-Gro – Best Overall Caladium Fertilizer. You might have heard...
• Indoor Plant Food by Miracle-Gro – Best for Budget Caladium Fertilizer. If you are growing Caladiums in pots in your...
• Premium Bulb Food by Dr. Earth – Best Bulb Fertilizer for Caladiums. Dr. Earth is one of the notable...

Full Answer

What do caladiums like to eat?

Caladiums love feeding on potassium and phosphorus, so opt for a fertilizer rich in these two macronutrients. Liquid plant food needs to be applied more frequently, so feed the Caladiums with liquid plant food every two weeks in the growing season.

What is the best fertilizer for caladiums?

Caladiums don’t need a lot of fertilizer, and using too much can burn the leaves. The horticulturists at Proven Winners recommend using a controlled-release fertilizer at 1/4 strength of what you would normally use for flowering plants. Liquid fertilizer may also be used.

How do you take care of caladiums?

The most important factors in caladium care are moisture and feeding. Fertilizer will help strengthen the plants in order to produce adequate tubers for the following growing season. Caladiums need to be watered on a regular basis, especially during dry conditions. In fact, watering them on a weekly basis is recommended.

What kind of soil do caladiums like?

When preparing the soil to plant caladium bulbs in your garden, it’s good to work in peat moss and gravel or perlite for drainage. The most critical care tip when growing caladium plants is to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

What is the best fertilizer for caladium?

The best fertilizers for Caladiums are fertilizers low in phosphorus (P) such as NPK 10-5-10 or 20-10-10. Fertilize caladiums twice in the growing season in spring and summer. Caladiums prefer a soil pH between 6 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient intake.

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.

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 do you keep caladiums healthy?

CALADIUM CARE Provide enough moisture throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist. If you allow the soil to dry out, the leaves may yellow and drop. Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture.

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.

How do you take care of a potted caladium?

Avoid areas in which it will be exposed to harsh afternoon sun. 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.

Should I mist my caladium?

Being a tropical tuber plant, Caladiums appreciate high humidity. To boost humidity, mist the plant frequently, or you can also set up a tray with water and pebbles or a humidifier.

How do you keep caladiums colorful?

To do so, fill a shallow, well-draining container with perlite, vermiculite, or another well-draining potting medium. Place the corms bud side up, and use enough potting medium to just cover them from view. Place them in a location with indirect sunlight that is at least 70°F. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

How often should I water caladium?

Caladium Plant Care In fact, watering them on a weekly basis is recommended. Caladiums that are grown in containers should be checked daily and watered as needed. Applying mulch around caladium plants will help to conserve and maintain moisture, even in containers.

Do caladiums like lots of water?

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 are my caladium leaves dying?

Caladiums are not cold hardy plants and do not do well in temperatures below 65°F. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will cause the plant to wilt. Try to keep them in an environment around 65-80°F in a warm humid spot away from drafty areas or open vents.

Do caladiums do well in pots?

Caladiums grow beautifully in containers and in landscapes that have well-drained soil. If you garden in heavy clay, you'll want to grow your caladiums in containers or raised beds. Fill your patio pots, window boxes and hanging baskets with the low maintenance, all-season color that caladiums provide.

Where do Caladiums grow?

Most caladiums are native to the warm tropical rainforests of Central and South America. When grown indoors, they need ample bright, but indirect sunlight to grow. If grown outdoors they prefer shade to dappled sunlight. Too much light will cause the vibrant colors to fade. During their growing season, these plants like their rich well-draining soil to be kept evenly moist but never soggy. Provide this plant with ample humidity and keep away from cold drafts, as they do not tolerate colder temperatures.

What is a caladium?

Caladiums are a large genus of tropical perennial plants with over 1000 vibrant cultivars. Traditionally used in outdoor gardening in warmer climates, these broadleaf plants can bring a dramatic or subtle splash of color to any indoor space. While these plants require a little extra care when grown indoors, their lush showy growth makes it well worth the effort.

How to raise the humidity of Caladium?

Your caladium prefers a humid environment. Mist the leaves regularly, place a humidifier nearby, or use a pebble tray to raise the humidity.

Can you prune a spadix?

While these plants rarely flower, especially indoors, they can produce a spadix surrounded by a yellow-green spathe. You can prune off these flowers to help the plant focus on leaf growth.

Can caladiums tolerate direct sunlight?

Your caladium will thrive best in bright to medium-bright indirect light. It can tolerate direct morning sun like in an eastern or northern window. Avoid areas in which it will be exposed to harsh afternoon sun.

Is Caladium toxic to pets?

Your caladium is considered to be toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Can cause mouth and stomach irritation.

How to store Caladiums?

Once their foliage yellows and begins falling over, caladiums can be carefully lifted from the ground. Place the plants in a warm, dry location for at least a couple weeks to dry out. Then cut off the foliage, place the tubers in a netted bag or box, and cover in dry peat moss. Store the tubers in a cool, dry location. Once spring returns, you can replant outdoors. If you are growing caladiums in containers, they can be overwintered indoors.

What color are Caladiums?

Image by Sapsiwai. Growing caladiums is easy with proper caladium care. These tropical-like plants are commonly grown for their multi-colored foliage, which may be green, white, red, or pink.

What is the best way to care for Caladium?

The most important factors in caladium care are moisture and feeding. Fertilizer will help strengthen the plants in order to produce adequate tubers for the following growing season.

How to replant a sage plant?

Place the plants in a warm, dry location for at least a couple weeks to dry out. Then cut off the foliage, place the tubers in a netted bag or box, and cover in dry peat moss. Store the tubers in a cool, dry location. Once spring returns, you can replant outdoors.

Can you grow Caladium bulbs indoors?

If you are growing caladiums in containers, they can be overwintered indoors. Now that you know how to plant caladiums, you can add these pretty plants to your landscape. Planting caladium bulbs is easy and with proper caladium care they will last for years. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 07/10/20.

Can you lift out caladium bulbs?

To make it easier for these smaller buds to grow after planting caladium bulbs, many gardeners find it helpful to lift out the large bud with a knife. Of course, this is up to the individual and will not adversely affect the overall growth of your caladiums. Planting caladium bulbs takes little effort.

Can caladiums be potted?

Caladiums can be purchased as potted plants or dormant tubers. Their size depends on the variety. For the most part, each tuber has a large bud, which is often surrounded by smaller ones. To make it easier for these smaller buds to grow after planting caladium bulbs, many gardeners find it helpful to lift out the large bud with a knife. Of course, this is up to the individual and will not adversely affect the overall growth of your caladiums.

What color are Caladium leaves?

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant. Each leaf seems to be hand painted with striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red.

What are the different types of caladiums?

Caladiums are divided into two main leaf types: Fancy-leaf caladium s generally have large heart-shaped leaves, sometimes growing to more than a foot long. Strap-leaf varieties typically have narrower arrow- or lance-shaped foliage. Plants are more compact and a bit more cold tolerant.

What is the most popular foliage plant?

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant. Each leaf seems to be hand painted with striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red. Although these tropical South American natives thrive in hot, humid weather, they can be grown as summer bulbs in more temperate climates, or even as houseplants given the right conditions. With a little pampering, these exotic shade dwellers create a glorious display rivaling that of any flowering plant.

How hot does it have to be for caladiums to grow?

Wait until daytime temperatures are 70° to 85° F and nighttime temperatures stay above 60° F. Depending on your growing zone, this can be as early as mid-March (zones 9-11) or as late as mid-June (zones 3-4). In northern areas of the country, caladiums often do best in containers because the soil warms up faster.

How to propagate a sage plant?

Propagation: Divide tubers in spring after bringing them out of winter storage. Cut each tuber into smaller pieces that contain at least one “eye" or knob from which new growth will start. Allow the cut pieces to dry for a day before planting.

How many leaf types are there in caladium?

Caladiums are divided into two main leaf types:

What are the different sizes of tubers?

Tubers generally come in three sizes: medium (No. 2), large (No. 1), and jumbo. Larger tubers typically produce more leaves and reach maturity faster, which is an asset if you have a short growing season.

What is the best plant for shady spots?

A newer caladium with beautiful pink-white-and-green leaves, is great for shady spots.

How to water caladiums?

How to Water Caladiums: Always water caladiums regularly. Keep the soil slightly moist. Add mulch, such as pine straw, to help retain soil moisture and conserve water. If you have caladiums in full sun, don't let them dry out.

What to feed caladiums?

How to Feed Caladiums: Use a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote Outdoor & Indoor Smart-Release Plant Food 19-6-12 or a liquid feed such as Miracle-Gro Liquid All Purpose Plant Food 12-4-8.

Do caladiums like sun?

Light for Caladiums: All caladiums love filtered sunlight and shade. Some newer selections can take more sun.

Introduction

Caladiums are tropical plants growing from tubers, most known for their colorful foliage, and used as a houseplant or summer bedding plant.

About caladiums

Any garden with a shady location has a perfect spot for caladiums. These tropical tubers, most of them varieties derived from Caladium bicolor, are grown for their dramatic summer foliage. They are naturals in beds with ferns or coleus, in pots to accent shady spots, or used as indoor houseplants.

Special features of caladiums

Caladium bicolor is widely available at garden centers and nurseries. The leaf shape is oval or like an arrowhead. There are a multiple hybrids available offering a range of leaf colors and patterns.

Choosing a site to grow caladiums

Select a shady area that is moist, well drained, humus rich, and slightly acidic. Caladiums are popular grown around the bases of trees, but for this planting scheme to work, you will need to create a 5-inch-deep bed of rich soil so the tuberous roots will have adequate space and a fair chance at moisture.

Planting Instructions

In the warm, humid climates of zones 8 and 9, plant caladium tubers directly into the ground in spring. In most other areas, you'll save several weeks of growing time by transplanting potted plants that are already up and growing.

Ongoing Care

Because caladiums are basically all leaves, they thrive on regular fertilizer. To keep plenty of new leaves coming on, feed with a balanced soluble fertilizer such as 10-10-10 twice a month.

Are Caladium Plants Toxic?

Caladium plants are toxic to humans , as well as cats and dogs. Doctors say that all parts of plants in the Caladium genus, including Caladium bicolor, are harmful if swallowed or chewed. Exposure to the plant can cause skin rashes and severe itching.

How long does it take for Caladium to grow?

Plant the caladium tubers in a shaded spot in your backyard. The time to plant caladium bulbs indoors is about six to eight weeks before you plan to transfer to your yard. In spring, planting caladium tubers also ensures that they grow fast, even if you decide to grow the plants as an indoor houseplant.

Why do my Caladium leaves droop?

Underwatering is the most common reason caladium leaves wilt and start to droop. You should water caladium plants often enough so that the soil is evenly moist but never soggy. Try giving the tropical plant more water to help bring it back to life.

How to winterize caladium bulbs?

To winterize caladium bulbs, carefully dig them up after fall when the leaves start turning yellow. It’s vital to leave the foliage attached to the caladium bulbs. Place the tubers in a cool, dark room for three weeks.

Why is my Caladium bulb turning yellow?

Overwatering or poor drainage can cause caladium bulbs to start decaying. Soon, fungal infections will eat away at the root, causing the beautiful foliage to turn yellow.

What is a spadix flower?

The flowers consist of a small flowering spike called a spadix. This is surrounded by a spathe, which looks like a white curled leaf. Sometimes, caladium flowers are called spathe flowers. Caladiums growing as annuals outdoors or perennial houseplants rarely flower. However, there’s nothing to worry about.

How to keep Caladium from curling?

All varieties of Caladium have high humidity needs. Try to keep indoor humidity at least 50 percent to prevent the showy leaves from curling and turning brown. You can boost air moisture by placing the caladium pot on a pebble and water tray or using a room humidifier. You can spray a fine mist on caladium leaves.

How to store Caladium bulbs?

They must be exposed to the atmosphere or they will rot. Spread bulbs thinly on trays. Store in a warm room with good air circulation until ready to plant. (65 to 85 ° F). For long-term storage, 70° is optimal. Once tubers are cold injured, the damage is irreversible. The extent of the cold injury depends not only upon the temperature but also on the duration of the low-temperature exposure.

How to keep caladiums alive?

Caladiums have a natural dormant period beginning sometime in autumn. The leaves will begin to die back, and this is the time to dig them. In any case, they should be dug before the first frost! Do not remove live foliage – it will nourish the tuber. Dry in the sun (ie: spread out on sidewalk) for several days until they are well dried to the touch. It is best to bring them in at night so they do not pick up the night dampness. Pack in peat moss or similar dry material (or place in a porous sack – onion bag etc.) and store in a well-ventilated area at about 70° F. (Range 65 – 85 degrees). Keep them WARM and DRY with plenty of air circulation.

What pH should I use for caladiums?

Soil Preparation. The pH is IMPORTANT. Caladiums do best in slightly acid soil, 5.5 to 6.5 pH. If your azaleas grow well, so will caladiums. I like to add some bone meal or other sources of phosphorus. It seems to help the plants form a stronger root system and have stronger stems.

What is dolomite used for?

Dolomite should be used to adjust the pH to the proper range. Your local agricultural agent can help you determine your pH and determine the proper application. Some poorer soils may require a little peat moss – some soils with a lot of clay may require some sand to promote adequate drainage.

How to keep a sandbox from getting damp?

It is best to bring them in at night so they do not pick up the night dampness. Pack in peat moss or similar dry material (or place in a porous sack – onion bag etc.) and store in a well-ventilated area at about 70° F. (Range 65 – 85 degrees). Keep them WARM and DRY with plenty of air circulation.

Can you refrigerate Caladium bulbs?

NEVER refrigerate caladiums. Remember – they are tubers – NOT bulbs. Even in warm climates, it is recommended that caladiums be dug and stored this way, as leaves will tend to grow smaller year after year if tubers remain in the ground. Plant in spring when the weather warms up.

Can caladiums be grown outside?

Plant outside when ALL danger of frost is past, and after the temperature warms up to about 70 degrees, CONSISTENTLY. Caladiums may also be grown in pots, indoors or out. By the way, the leaves are beautiful and long-lasting in floral arrangements. ​.

Everything you Need To Know About Caladiums

Caladiums are tropical foliage plants and perennials in the arum family that are known for their vibrant foliage. Their large, arrow-shaped, and paper-thin large leaves come in a striking array and variety of colors including white leaves, greens, reds, and pinks.

When to Plant Caladium Bulbs

When’s the best time to plant them? Early spring, after the risk of frost.

Caladium Care

Once the caladium leaves and beautiful foliage start appearing on your plants, you need to keep the warm soil evenly moist. For best growth never let the plant dry out.