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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.
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 often do you water caladiums?
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.
Is caladium a good indoor plant?
When grown indoors, they do best with lots of heat, bright but indirect light, and plenty of humidity. Even under the best conditions, caladium foliage lasts only a few months before the leaves start to die back and the plant goes dormant again, which is normal.
How do you keep caladiums alive?
Caladiums grow best in bright, indirect light (full sun would fry them in a heartbeat). Keep the soil evenly moist — do not let them dry out completely, but do not keep them soggy or the tubers will rot. To increase humidity, group pots together — even with other houseplants.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Can you grow caladiums in pots?
Caladiums are easy to grow from tubers, found in the Garden Center with summer-blooming tropical bulbs in spring. Tuck the tubers into a container of potting mix, water regularly and fertilize every couple of weeks. Plant these in containers or in a garden bed.
Why are my caladium leaves drooping?
Leaf droop is a sign of salt buildup in the soil of potted caladiums. Excess salts can be seen as a yellow or white crust on the top of the soil or a ring around the inside of the pot. To prevent salt buildup, leach potted plants every four to six months. Severely crusted plants will need to be repotted.
Do caladiums like lots of water?
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.
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.
Are caladium indoor or outdoor plants?
Caladiums thrive outdoors during the warmer months and add a lush, exotic touch to your yard or garden. Most Caladiums are at home in the shade or partial shade, but some varieties are more sun tolerant (see caladium catalog page) and can be planted in areas with little shade.
Can caladiums grow in full sun?
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 bloom?
Although they are grown as foliage plants, caladiums may bloom, producing a single (rarely 2-3) typical arum-type flower with a green or pinkish spathe surrounding a short white spadix. Fruits are white berries with several to many seeds.
What do I feed 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.
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.
