Caladium Bulbs For Sale Malaysia? The 91 Correct Answer

Common name Caladium, Elephant Ears Botanical name Caladium Family Araceae Plant type Tropical perennial Mature size 12–30 inches tall, 12–24 inches wide Sun Exposure Indirect light (indoor), full to partial shade (outdoor) Soil type Rich, well-drained soil pH Slightly acidic Bloom Spring, Summer, Fall Flower Color Green, pink, white, red Hardiness Zones 9-11 (USDA) Native Range Central America, South America Toxicity Toxic to humans and pets

3:10 Watch now: How to grow and care for caladiums indoors

Caladium care

Many gardeners use masses of these showy plants as summer accents and conversation pieces. Indoors or outdoors, caladiums are seasonal bulbous plants that grow foliage from spring through fall, peaking in summer. Cut off all leaves as soon as they appear to ensure that all of the plant’s energy is used on its magnificent foliage. Caladium dormancy comes in autumn or winter. Your dormant period is not determined by temperature or light cycle, but by how long the plants have been growing.

Caladiums are seasonal plants, even in the tropics, where gardeners plant them during the spring and summer months when they thrive in the heat and humidity they need. Unless you live in zones 9 through 11, you should plan to grow them as annuals or dig up the bulbs of the plants at the end of the growing season and store them for the winter.

When grown indoors, they thrive best with plenty 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 die off and the plant goes back to dormancy, which is normal.

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

Kanchanalak Chanthaphun / Getty Images

MAsummerbreak / Getty Images

light

Caladium plants prefer indirect light or moderate shade indoors. The narrower the leaves, the more sun they tolerate. Growing her outdoors in containers gives you more control over light levels. Some newer cultivars can be grown in full sun, but most caladiums need protection from too much intense light. If you are growing them in a garden, give them partial shade to full shade; full sun scorches their leaves.

floor

Plant Caladium in rich, well-drained soil in the garden or in potting soil for containers such as potting soil. B. a moist mixture of soil and peat. Garden soil should be similarly rich in nutrients and permeable. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, at 5.5 to 6.2.

water

When leaves appear on the plant, water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Never let the plant dry out as the leaves may yellow and fall off. Stop watering the plant when the leaves die back. Water again in spring after hibernation. New leaves will reappear as temperatures get warmer.

temperature and humidity

The warmer the better for caladium houseplants. Aim for 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, if possible 60-65 degrees at night as this is the temperature at which the bulbs start growing. Keep the humidity as high as possible.

If planting outdoors, you can transplant potted tubers (or even better, just transplant them into peat pots) after the last frost date for your area. Plants grown this way should be started indoors four to six weeks before transplanting.

fertilizer

Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with liquid fertilizer or use slow release pellets.

Types of caladiums

There are literally too many varieties to keep track of – caladium varieties are green, red, pink, white and even orange. In many cases varieties are sold without names. Almost all varieties are descended from the C. bicolor native to South America. Some books list these plants as C. hortulanum. Choose your strain based on its appearance. They will form a showy border or a single plant.

Some notable varieties are:

Caladium ‘Creamsicle’: This variety can grow vigorously. It features large green leaves accented with bright red and veined with bright white.

This strain can be a vigorous grower. It features large green leaves accented with bright red and veined with bright white. Caladium ‘White Christmas’: Large, arrow-shaped green leaves with a heavy ‘pollination’ of brilliant white make for a simple and striking color combination on this cultivar.

Large, arrow-shaped green leaves with a heavy “pollination” of brilliant white make for a simple and eye-catching color combination on this strain. Caladium ‘Miss Muffet’: This dwarf variety only grows to about 8 inches tall and has light green leaves speckled with bright pink spots.

This dwarf variety only grows to about 8 inches tall and has lime green leaves speckled with bright pink spots. Caladium ‘Puppy Love’: This relative newcomer has pink leaves edged with green and will tolerate full sun in some climates.

Propagation of Caladium

If the plants die back in the fall or early winter, you can store the tubers in a bag and replant them for another show next year. Tubers of ripe caladium can also be divided using the following steps:

Let the leaves die back in the fall. Let the soil dry out a bit and then lift the tubers out of the ground. Store in a box in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a basement, at temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In late winter/early spring, use a sharp, sterile cutting tool to trim the tubers. Make sure each new bulb section has at least one growth point (with an eyelet or nub). Allow the tubers to “cure” for a week, during which a callus will develop on the cut ends. Plant the bulbs back outdoors or in pots, “eye” up, when the next growing season begins and the soil temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common Pests

Caladium is not bothered by many harmful pests. However, they can be attacked by caterpillars and grasshoppers, which chew on the leaves and require special methods to eliminate the activity. Other pests that suck on the leaves and can be eradicated with insecticidal soaps include:

Common problems with Caladium

Caladium leaves are usually colorful and attractive, making it easy to spot when the plants are struggling. If your caladium leaves are turning unsightly colors, the problem can be easily fixed.

leaves turn yellow

Caladium leaves turn yellow when the plant is overwatered or submerged, gets too much light, or experiences temperature and humidity stress. The plant may also have nutrient deficiencies such as B. a lack of magnesium, nitrogen or iron.

Leaves turn brown

There can be many reasons why your caladium leaves are turning brown, including:

The plant is too dry.

It gets too much direct sunlight.

It doesn’t get enough moisture.

It’s overfed.

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Few plants beat the foliage color of caladiums! They come in an amazing range of colors and provide a wonderful pop of color whether you plant them indoors or outdoors. Planting caladium bulbs can be a little tricky, so read on to learn all about how to plant them, how to tell which end is off, when to plant, and more.

Caladium bicolor (sometimes known as Caladium hortulanum) is native to parts of Central America and much of South America, including Brazil.

PLANTING CALADIUM ONIONS

How do you know which side is up?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell which side is up, but I’ll give you some tips on how to tell. Usually the bulbs have a smoother underside and the top has lots of bumps or nubs.

The bottom of a caladium tuber

Often you can see that the bulb is already beginning to sprout, so you can easily see that this is the top of the bulb. Here is the top end:

The tip of a caladium tuber

You can see in the photo above that the eye is starting to sprout, so this would be the end that is up when you plant it in soil.

Let’s look at another example below. In this caladium corm you can clearly see the sprout and this corm has been painted white by the grower so you know this end is going up.

A Proven Winners Caladium corm that has been painted white so you know this end is going up.

Proven Winners have an amazing array of caladiums, and they paint the top of the bulbs white so it’s super easy to know which end goes up!

This eliminates all the guesswork!

If you accidentally plant them upside down, they will likely still grow, but will take much longer to emerge.

Caladium bulbs arrived early. How to store until planting time?

If you’re not ready to plant yet (or if it’s still too cold to plant), make sure to take your tubers out of the box they are in and leave them in a well-ventilated area, the top stays 65°F.

When to plant caladium bulbs?

Regardless of which zone you are in, for best results Caladium bulbs must be planted when the air temperature is at least 15.6°C (60°F) and the soil temperature is at least 18°C ​​(65°F).

Do caladium bulbs need to be soaked before planting?

Although not necessary, you can soak your tubers in warm water for about an hour before planting. This would be beneficial if your tubers have dried out too much.

I am preparing to plant my caladium tubers

How deep to plant caladium bulbs?

Plant your tubers so that the top of the tubers is buried about 1.5 to 2 inches below the soil surface.

How to plant caladium bulbs

Start indoors

This is my process for starting caladium tubers indoors. I like to give them a head start indoors and then plant them outdoors in warm weather either in larger pots or straight into the ground.

You can also just start them this way and use them as houseplants as well.

Plant in small pots

I started by planting each bulb in a 4 inch square pot. You can put multiple bulbs in a larger pot, but I prefer to give each a separate pot so I have more flexibility when planting outdoors and can decide how to display them in combo planters or just plant them in the ground.

I put some all-purpose soil in the bottom of the pot, put the bulb in (top up as described above), and then covered it with about 1.5 to 2 inches of soil.

Make sure the top of your bulb is covered with about 1.5 to 2 inches of soil.

water them in

Next, I placed my pots in the sink and gave them a good watering.

All my pots are planted, watered and labeled. You are ready to go!

The next step is very important if you really want to speed up the speed at which your caladium bulbs sprout.

It’s not 100% necessary, but it WILL speed things up!

Place on a propagation mat

Simply place your pot directly on a heating mat. This will raise the soil temperature and cause your caladiums to sprout much sooner than they otherwise would have.

If you’re not in a hurry, you can skip this step, but once you start using a heat mat, you’ll likely never go back.

And if, like me, you live in an area with a short growing season, this is very valuable.

The heating mat I use is listed below:

VIVOSUN Long Lasting Waterproof Seedling Warmth 10″ x 20.75″ $12.23 Speed ​​up your propagation projects SIGNIFICANTLY with a heat mat! This will shave days, weeks or sometimes months off your time. Buy Now From Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

How long after planting caladium bulbs before they appear?

However, depending on if conditions are good, you can expect your Caladiums to sprout in their pots in around 3 weeks or so (or a little less if conditions are optimal).

What kind of light do caladiums like?

Depending on the variety, they can grow in the shade and in the sun. Some strains can grow in both, and some strains have been developed to tolerate more sun.

Check out the Proven Winners Caladiums. Each variety indicates if it is a shade variety or if it can go into sun or shade.

All Caladium strains grow beautifully in 4-6 hours of sun indoors or outdoors. If you plan to keep these indoors, an east or west exposure window would work great.

Too much sun exposure can result in brown edges on the leaves and even holes in the leaves between the veins.

What type of soil and watering do caladiums like?

However, keep in mind that these need well-drained soil, so they don’t do particularly well in heavy clay soil. You must either supplement your clay soil with organic matter or simply grow it in pots with an all-purpose soil mix.

You can add some perlite or pumice to increase the drainage and porosity of your all-purpose potting soil. Three parts of an all-purpose soil mix to 1 part perlite or pumice works great.

Keep them moist until they sprout, grow leaves and develop more firmly. Once established, allow the top inches of soil in pots to dry out before watering again.

Caladiums in the ground don’t need nearly as much attention as those in pots, but if you have your plants in sunnier locations, they will need more water.

Whatever you do, don’t let your soil dry out completely.

Fertilize Caladium

Bone meal applications are traditionally used for caladia, or you can simply use a time-release fertilizer like Osmocote.

Caladiums as houseplants

In the fall, caladiums need a rest period. If you have her outdoors in pots, you can easily bring her back indoors when temperatures drop below 60°F.

You’ll find that the foliage will die back in mid-fall to early winter or so. You will find that the foliage begins to fall. If this happens, reduce the water completely and let the foliage die back.

Remove foliage and leave your pot in a dark area that stays above 60°F for about a month.

After this time, go to a bright window and start watering to start the cycle over.

If you wish, you can even divide the bulbs and plant them in fresh soil once they start growing again.

Caladiums outdoors in the ground

If you live in zone 10 or warmer, you can keep Caladiums in the ground indefinitely. They will behave like perennials. They will still be dormant naturally and start growing again in the spring.

If you live in zone 9 or colder, you can either treat them as soil annuals and start fresh plants or bulbs each year, or you can try digging them up and storing them until next spring.

Note that if your growing season isn’t long your tubers may not have stored enough energy to survive the winter and plant again in the spring, but feel free to experiment and see what works for you!

Here’s a procedure you can use to dig up your plants:

Dig your tubers out of the ground

Shake off any soil and let the leaves hang from it

Let them dry in a place with good air circulation for a week

When the bulbs feel dry, cut off the leaves

Store in brown paper bags or even paper bags filled with dry peat moss or perlite. Store in a dark spot that stays at least 60°F until ready to plant in late winter or early spring.

I hope you enjoyed this post about planting caladium bulbs. Have you ever grown caladiums? Comment below. I would like to hear! If not, why not give them a chance? Few plants have such low-maintenance and stunning foliage.

By DanGill

LSU AgCenter Gardeners

(05/04/18) If you were to ask me what some of my favorite summer color plants are, caladiums would definitely be on the list. You won’t find a better plant for reliable color in areas that get some shade. And one investment can provide color for years.

Simple enough for the casual gardener to expect routine success, the caladium’s elegant beauty also makes it a staple in the landscape of the most accomplished gardener. Native to tropical South America, caladiums grow from bulbs and thrive in the heat and humidity of our long summers. They are remarkably free from major insect or disease problems.

Caladiums (Caladium x hortulanum) are grown for their attractive foliage. The 6 to 12 inch, heart-shaped leaves emerge from the ground on arching stems that are generally 1 to 2 feet tall but can grow taller. The foliage can be splashed with combinations of white, pink, rose, red, burgundy, chartreuse, or green, often with multiple colors that combine in wonderful patterns. These bright leaves with a rich texture will brighten up our shady gardens from May to October when the bulbs are dormant.

Where to plant

Caladiums grow best in shade to partial shade (two to four hours of direct sun, preferably in the morning) or in bright, dappled light. In these conditions, they produce the most lush growth with large, colorful leaves. The caladium plants you buy from nurseries are usually grown in shady greenhouses, and the foliage will often scorch or burn if you plant them in beds that receive too much direct sun. This often results in brown spots and holes that literally burn into the leaves. With the right light conditions, the newly sprouting leaves adapt to the increased light and do not burn.

Some strains are more tolerant of sunny conditions and will thrive in beds that are partially in full sun (six hours or more of direct sun) as long as they are adequately watered. When grown in full sun, caladiums tend to produce smaller and lighter colored leaves, and the plants grow shorter.

The following Caladium cultivars are recommended for full sun based on research conducted at LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station: Fire Chief (Fancy Leaf Red), Hearts Delight (Lance Leaf Red), Carolyn Whorton (Fancy -Leaf-Pink), Cherry Tart (Lanceleaf Red), Moonlight (Fantasy Leaf White), Florida Sweetheart (Lanceleaf Pink), White Cap (Fantasy Leaf White and Green), White Ruffles (Lanceleaf White), Celebration (Fantasy Leaf -Multi -Color) and White Dynasty (Lance Blade White). Fancy leaf caladia have larger, heart-shaped leaves. Lance-leaved caladiums have smaller, narrower, spear-shaped leaves. These strains also do well in the shade.

Plant caladiums

You can buy Caladien in two different ways. Buying caladium bulbs is the most economical way to add caladiums to your landscape. You can now buy caladium tubers and plant them directly in well-prepared beds. Plant the tubers about 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart.

Growth points or even pink-white sprouts should be visible on the knobbly side of the bulb. This side is planted. The smoother side is the bottom of the bulb. Wait until the ungerminated tubers have sprouted and grown several inches before mulching them.

Also available in 4- to 6-inch pots, caladiums add instant color to the landscape. Growing Caladium bulbs should be planted with the top of the root ball level with the soil of the bed. Plant them 8 to 12 inches apart in well prepared beds and they will grow taller and more beautiful throughout the summer. Once growing caladiums are planted, mulch the bed with 2 inches of your favorite mulch and water in. Keep caladium beds well watered throughout the summer, especially those that receive a lot of sun.

winter care

In late September or early October, longer nights and cooler temperatures encourage Caladia to go dormant. But the tubers you plant this summer can be used for growing caladiums next year, either left in the ground or stored and replanted. If the beds in which the caladiums are planted are relatively undisturbed and the drainage is good and they don’t get too wet in winter, you can simply leave the caladium bulbs in the ground.

Or you can choose to dig them up and store them. This is the most reliable way to ensure they grow another year. Dig up caladiums when some leaves are turning yellow and most leaves are looking “tired” and falling over. Use a shovel or garden fork to lift the tubers, being careful not to damage them. Let the foliage droop, shake and brush most of the soil off the tubers, and lay them out in a single layer in a dry, rain-protected spot (in a garage, under a carport). After the foliage looks brown and papery, pull it off the tubers and store the tubers in paper bags indoors where temperatures stay around 70 degrees throughout winter.

In poor growing conditions, particularly in areas of heavy shade or in sunny, dry locations, the plants will likely produce small, weak tubers that may not come back well, either left in the ground or dug up and stored. However, under the right circumstances and with the right care, the tubers you plant this year can provide beautiful splendor again next year and for years to come.

Caladium bulbs should be planted eyes up, “hairs in the air,” with about 1 ½ – 2 inches of soil above them, since the roots emerge from the top of the bulbs. Caladia will grow well in all soil types; However, a well-drained peat soil is optimal. If you think your soil isn’t ideal, you can incorporate some good potting soil, leaf soil, or peat moss into your own soil before planting.

Landscape Planting: The table below gives our recommended bulb spacing when you want a beautiful full planting or full border with a mass of solid colour. For a large bed, we recommend planting your bulbs in rows at the spacing below, and planting the bulbs in a zigzag pattern to maximize their leaf cover.

bulb size diameter

planting distance

No. 1 1 ½” – 2 ½” 6” – 8” apart jumbo

2 ½” – 3 ½” 10” – 12” apart

If you prefer to show clumps of color rather than a mass of color, or you want to plant them among other foliage, plant 3-4 #1 size bulbs or 1-2 jumbo size bulbs in each area. These clumps should give you nice big pops of color in your landscaping.

Helpful Tip for Planting Around Trees: It’s natural for us to want to plant Caladiums around big beautiful trees. These trees are often surrounded by many roots and little soil. In this case, place the bulbs on the ground at your preferred spacing around the tree, and then place soil on top of the bulbs. Remember to make sure there is 1 ½” – 2″ of soil above them.

Plants in Pots and Containers: Caladiums are beautiful in pots, hanging baskets and containers. As with landscaping, you need to have 1 ½ – 2 inches of soil over the bulbs. The soil depth under the bulb does not have to be deep as the roots emerge from the top of the bulbs. The table below shows our recommendation for the number of bulbs to plant in different container sizes.

Pot Size Number of Bulbs 6″ 3 #1 or 1 jumbo 8″ 4 #1 or 2 jumbo 10″ 5 #1 or 2-3 jumbo 12″ 6 #1 or 3 jumbo

Growing pots indoors: For northern areas where summer temperatures arrive later in the year, you may want to grow your caladiums indoors in pots and then move them outside once temperatures have warmed. Pots should be kept in a very warm range of 70°F or above to encourage them to come out of dormancy. The warmer the temperatures you can provide, the faster they will grow. Once the leaves emerge, make sure they’re in an area that gets optimal sunlight until temperatures are right to get them outside.

As houseplants, caladiums tend to grow long “leggy” stems when near sunlight. For this reason, we do not recommend them as ideal houseplants. However, we have many clients who are happy with their indoor results.

Helpful tip for those who plant in pots and containers: if you start your bulbs in pots, these pots can be planted or sunk directly into your landscaping. So you can easily harvest the onions in their pots in autumn. After the first cold snap has knocked back the leaves, you can pull up the whole pot and store it somewhere warm above 20°C for the winter. The pots could be stacked and kept out of sight until you bring them out next summer and start watering again. The same storage tactic can be used for all caladium plantings in containers.

Your guide to planning, planting, and growing caladiums

Caladiums are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves that feature amazing color combinations of white, pink, red, and green. These are tropical plants that thrive in hot, humid weather. Caladia rarely flower, but the beautiful foliage guarantees a colorful show wherever they are planted – under trees, among shrubs, in perennial borders and in containers.

Start with a better lightbulb

It’s easy to spot a difference in quality when comparing two Caladium plants side by side. Caladium tubers are sorted by size. The largest are rated #1 and range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Smaller tubers are rated #2 or #3. Longfield Gardens only offers Grade 1 caladium tubers. These larger tubers (as shown on the left) have more growing points or “eyes” and will grow into taller and fuller plants.

Plan for success

Shade and sun: Caladiums make excellent plants for shady courtyards and gardens, but most varieties are surprisingly sun tolerant. Sun tolerance varies from strain to strain and is also affected by the intensity of the sun and the amount of moisture the plants receive.

Zone: Caladiums are tropical plants and will not survive winter outdoors unless you are gardening in zones 9-11. In these warm climates, the tubers can be left in the ground all year round. In zones 3-8, caladiums are typically grown as an annual and planted outdoors in late spring once the soil is warm. Not sure about your hardiness zone? View our zone map here.

When to Plant: Caladiums need warm soil and warm nighttime temperatures to start growing. If the tubers are planted in cold soil, they will not germinate and may rot. Do not plant the bulbs outdoors until nights are warm and the soil temperature is at least 65ºF. In cooler climates, you can give your caladiums a head start by germinating the tubers indoors 4-6 weeks before planting time. Plant the tubers flat in pots or plant trays. Keep them warm (70°F) and barely moist to encourage germination.

How to plant caladiums

In northern and central areas, plant caladium corms about 6 inches apart on center. This will give you a nice, full look. In southern areas they can be planted further apart. If you’re planting in containers, you may want to group them closer together.

Caladium tubers can be planted in individual holes, or you can dig up a larger area and plant a few tubers at a time.

Plant the tubers (slick side down) about 3 inches deep. After planting, there should be 2.5 to 5 cm of soil on the tuber.

If the soil is moist, there is no need to water after planting.

Where to plant caladiums

Containers, Patios, and Decks: Decorate your outdoor seating areas with beautiful foliage. Caladiums grow well in pots and planters and are the perfect way to brighten up a shady porch or covered patio.

Window Boxes: Strapleaf caladia grow beautifully in window boxes and hanging planters. Use them to drape your home in colorful foliage all summer long.

Entryways and Borders: Use fancy leaf caladiums to soften a walkway to your front door, border a shady garden bed, or line a path between shady trees and shrubs.

Mailbox Gardens: Surrounding your mailbox with pretty foliage will enhance the appeal of your home and create a charming ‘mini garden’ for all to admire.

Companion Plants in the Garden: Depending on which variety you choose, caladiums can be bright and showy or cool and sophisticated. The pinks, greens and whites pair beautifully with other soft colors, and the red-leaved varieties hold their own when paired with warm-hued begonias, coleus and impatiens.

planting tips

Wait to plant your caladiums outdoors until two or three weeks after the last frost date. Nights should be warm and soil temperatures should be 65-70°F. In cool climates, this is early to mid-June.

Some caladium cultivars are more sun tolerant than others, but most appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Like most plants, caladiums grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. You can improve your soil’s texture, fertility, and moisture holding capacity by incorporating compost or topsoil. During the growing season, caladiums require constant moisture and appreciate an occasional dose of liquid fertilizer.

Large tubers usually have multiple eyes (growth points). Small bulbs can have only one dominant eye. To achieve a bushier look, you can plant two small bulbs together. Experienced caladium growers sometimes “de-eye” corms before planting. This technique is somewhat difficult to master. The dominant eye is cut out to encourage the development of other sprouts.

Caring for your caladium after the growing season

Caladiums are tropical plants and the bulbs will not survive cold winters. If you live in USDA zones 3-7, it’s usually best to treat your caladiums as annuals and plant fresh bulbs each spring. The tubers do not need to be dug up at the end of the growing season as they will decompose in winter.

In USDA hardiness zone 8, caladiums aren’t reliably hardy, but you can try insulating the tubers from the cold with a thick layer of mulch. Another option is to bring them indoors for the winter. If you wish to dig up the tubers, do so before the soil temperature drops below 55ºF. Leave some foliage attached to make it easier for you to tell which variety is which.

After digging, spread the plants out in a place protected from rain, cold and direct sunlight. Allow them to dry out for at least a week, then trim the foliage from the tubers, keeping similar varieties together. Place the tubers in mesh bags or pack them loosely in dry peat moss. Store in a cool, dark place where the temperature does not drop below 60ºF. Transplant in spring.

Caladium tubers are hardy in zones 8-12 and don’t need any special care to survive the winter. As the plants enter dormancy in late summer or early fall, the leaves will droop and eventually wither. Just leave the tubers in the ground and wait for the plants to sprout again in spring. As long as the soil is well drained and doesn’t freeze, the tubers will give you a great show again next year.

Learn more about caladia here: Landscaping with caladia, How to grow spring bulbs in containers, Spring bulbs for shady gardens, Tips for growing caladia in zones 5-7

Buy caladiums HERE.

Although Caladium (Caladium spp.) rarely blooms, its large, heart-shaped leaves make this plant a lovely option for adding a tropical touch to your garden or patio. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 and 10, caladium propagation is by division of the tubers.

Caladiums aren’t actually bulbs, they’re tubers. If you’re propagating caladium, you can divide the tubers in the spring, notes Fine Gardening. In colder climates where Caladium is not hardy, dig up the corms, divide them and store them over the winter to replant in spring. Store them in a dry, warm room at a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, advises the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.

Loosen the soil around the plant with a pitchfork or spade, advises Dave’s Garden. Lift the bulbs out of the ground and brush off any dirt that is stuck to the bulb. Cut off dead or damaged leaves with scissors, examine the tubers and remove any damaged or rotten buds. Dust the tubers with a fungicide to prevent infection of healthy tubers.

Fancy Leaf Caladium Plant

Botanical name: Caladium plant spp.

The gauzy, heart-shaped leaves of this tropical native are spectacularly decorated, enough to rival even the showiest flowering plant.

Masses of magnificent leaves grow atop tall, slender stems. And they are large, growing to about 30 cm in length. Leaf patterns and colors can vary widely, ranging from white with green veins and edges, to a blush of pink, to mottled and mottled red, pink, green, and white.

Caladium thrives indoors in indirect light, making this South American plant a spectacular tropical accent for your home. You can expect the showy season to last 6 months or more.

Caladiums thrive in warm, humid conditions. Give them bright, indirect light and moisture.

Caladium Varieties

There are hundreds of Caladium varieties that will please everyone, so choose the one you like. Some popular named varieties are:

‘White Christmas’ has striking white foliage with green veins that will blend beautifully amongst your green foliage plants.

‘Florida Cardinal’ is a showy variety with bright red leaves.

‘Pink Beauty’ is a perennial favorite among gardeners.

The spectacular ‘Rosebud’ will add a dramatic burst of color to a container garden.

‘Thai Beauty’ is one of the most beautiful strains we have ever seen.

Petit ‘Miss Muffet’ is a dwarf variety with red spots.

Buy caladium bulbs

Although you can buy the plants at garden centers and nurseries, growing a caladium bulb — called a corm — is easy and rewarding. Buy tubers in the spring and you will have beautiful foliage in a matter of weeks.

How to plant the onions

Grow caladiums in spring and summer. These South American beauties love the warmth and long daylight hours. They are warm-hearted and start growing as soon as you plant them – no special treatment is required.

Plant the tubers in 10-15cm pots and cover with just 2.5cm of potting compost. Give them plenty of water and keep them in a warm place (around 24°C) with indirect light. You can expect these colorful leaves to unfurl in 6-8 weeks.

Caladiums add a bright pop of color wherever you display them. Photo credit: mschiffm

Hibernation: Caladium dormancy

Caladiums break the rule that all leafy houseplants are decorative year-round. This hybrid with bulbous roots dies back in the fall and remains dormant through the winter. This fact—along with the need for high temperatures and high humidity—results in many of these plants being discarded after their first growing season.

However, it is easy to keep plants until next year. When the foliage dies back in the fall, allow the pots to dry out. Cut off the wilted leaves and then store the pots in a dark place at 18-21°C/65-70°F. In spring, repot the tubers into fresh potting soil and proceed carefully. Tubers can usually be grown for a few years before declining in quality. If the blades are fewer and/or smaller than normal, it’s time to replace them.

Gorgeous caladium leaves add fresh style to any room. Photo credit: Madison Inouye

How to grow a caladium plant indoors

‘White Christmas’ is a very popular variety.

Origin: South America

Height: Up to 60 cm; Dwarf varieties can vary, but reach about 30 cm

Light: Bright, indirect light. Some direct morning sun is fine, but stay away from direct midday sun as it will cause leaf burn. Several hours of light per day will produce the largest and most showy leaves.

Water: Keep the potting soil consistently moist (but not soggy) throughout the growing season. Check it often – a caladium plant can drink a lot.

Humidity: Requires moist air (approximately 50% relative humidity or higher). For best results, use a cool mist room humidifier.

Temperature: Brrr! This South American native desires warm temperatures – 24-27°C/75-80°F is ideal, but will tolerate a range of 21-29°C/70-85°F. Protect the caladium plant from blasts of cold air from air conditioning vents.

Soil: Peat moss based potting soil

Fertilizer: Fertilize every 2 weeks with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer while the plant is growing.

Propagation: division. When repotting, you can break off small tubers and pot them separately. Place each bulb in a 10cm pot. Plant them 1 inch deep.

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Introduction Jumping for introduction Caladiums, Caladium bicolor, are grown for their long-lasting, brightly colored foliage. Color combinations include various shades of red, pink, white, green, and yellow-green with prominently colored midribs and contrasting fringes. There are two basic types of caladium varieties: fancy and strap-leafed. Fancy-leaved species have large, heart-shaped or semi-heart-shaped leaves borne on long petioles. The strap or lanceolate varieties have smaller, narrower, thicker, oblong leaves on short petioles, giving the plants a more compact habit. Strap-leaved caladiums produce more leaves per bulb than fancy caladiums. Fancy-leaved types range from 12 to 30 inches in height, while most strap-leaved types are under a foot tall.

Cultivars Skip to Cultivars There are thousands of Caladium cultivars to choose from. Some of the best performing strains are listed below. Fancy-leaved Caladium Varieties Table 1. Fancy-leaved Caladium Varieties Common Name Description Aaron White with green margins, some sun tolerance Caladium White with green veins Carolyn Whorton Pink with red veins and green margin, some sun tolerance Fannie Munson Pink with pink color veins light green traced Fire Chief Dark pink, limited sun tolerance Florida Fantasy White with red veins Freida Hemple Deep red (lighter than Postman Joyner) with green edges, not sun tolerant Gypsy Rose Pink veins with green spots June Bride White with green edges Kathleen Light salmon with green edges Marie Moir White-green with red spots Pink Beauty Pink with dark pink veins and green edges, lighter than Fannie Munson Pink Cloud Pink with green edges, some sun tolerance Postman Joyner Dark Red with green edges Red Flash Dark Red with fuchsia spots and green edges, good sun tolerance Rosebud Red with green edges White Queen White with Red and Green en veined, some sun tolerance White Christmas White with green margins Strap-leaved Caladium Cultivars Table 2. Strap-leaved Caladium Cultivars Common Name Description Caloosahatchee White with green margins Caladium Jr. Dwarf, white with green veins Clarice Pale cream to pink mottled with red florida Sweetheart Rose Pink with ruffles green edges Gingerland White with red spots and green edges Lance Whorton Crimson veins with white spots and green edges Miss Muffett Dwarf yellow-green speckled with maroon not tolerant of the sun Pink Gem Pink excellent for hanging baskets Pink Symphony Pink with green veins Red Frill Red, excellent for hanging baskets Rosalie Red leaves and veins with green edges White Wing White with wavy edges mottled with green

Propagation Continue to Propagation Nurseries and nurseries offer caladiums as pot plants or dormant bulbs. Tubers are available in four different sizes depending on diameter and are priced accordingly. Tuber sizes are classified as mammoth (31⁄2 in and up), jumbo (21⁄2 to 31⁄2 in), #1 (13⁄4 to 21⁄2 in), and #2 (11⁄4 to 2 in). ) classified 13⁄ 4 inches). Large tubers have more leaf buds than smaller tubers and therefore form a larger leaf display. Each caladium bulb has a large, central bud surrounded by several small buds. Allowing the large, central bud to grow will prevent the small buds from growing and producing leaves. Use the tip of a sharp knife to lift out the large, central bud, being careful not to injure any of the surrounding small buds. De-eyeing stimulates the production of a larger number, but slightly smaller leaves.

Culture Jump to culture Caladiums grow best in the semi-shade of open, highly branched trees. They will work reasonably well in full shade, but the color may not stand out as much. Traditionally, caladiums have needed full sun protection for best growth and color, but some of the newer cultivars will tolerate exposure to full sun for a few hours daily. Most pink-leaved caladiums develop a brownish, burnt appearance when grown in the sun. Caladiums require warm, moist soil. A minimum soil temperature of 70°F is preferred. If planted too early in the spring, cool soil temperatures will cause the tubers to rot before they sprout. Some gardeners prefer to grow tubers indoors in moist peat moss or potting soil in containers such as a flat plane or flower pot. Just cover the tubers with soil and place the jar in a warm room with bright light. Tubers should be grown indoors about four weeks before planting outdoors. For best growth, plant caladiums in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A 2- to 3-inch layer of pine bark mulch or compost should be incorporated into the soil to improve soil aeration, drainage, and organic matter content. Root and leaf growth will be limited if the soil is not well aerated. Also add a compound fertilizer like 8-8-8 at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of bed area (2 tablespoons per square foot). Plant tubers 2 inches deep and 8 inches apart for small bulbs and 12 inches apart for large bulbs. Both roots and shoots emerge from the top of the tuber; Lay the knotty side up. Mulch with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool. Soil temperatures above 85°F can result in leaves with more green color and less of the prized brilliant colors. High nitrogen fertilization can achieve the same effect. Caladiums feed heavily on potash and phosphorus and need plenty of moisture and summer fertilizer 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. Use a heaping tablespoon for individual plants; For plants grown in containers, use one level teaspoon per pot. Don’t let the fertilizer come into contact with the leaves. Water thoroughly after fertilizing to avoid burning the fertilizer. Caladiums are not drought tolerant and should be watered regularly. Sometimes plants produce a flower that resembles a jack-in-the-pulpit or a calla lily. Most home gardeners prefer to remove the bloom as it drains energy from the foliage and reduces bulb size.

Possible Problems Go to Possible Problems Tuber Rot – Tubers may rot during storage or during the growing season. Several bacteria or fungal organisms cause blight. Bacteria cause a soft, slimy rot, while fungi cause a dry, chalky rot. To reduce the potential of blight, select disease-free tubers for planting and store tubers properly to avoid high humidity and cool temperatures. Never store caladium tubers in the refrigerator. Tubers purchased in early spring, before ideal planting time, should be kept at room temperature. Follow the soil and planting procedures previously mentioned. Leaf Spots – An anthracnose fungus can cause the lower leaves to develop tan to brown spots. In general, the disease is not severe enough to warrant chemical control. Remove and destroy diseased leaves as soon as they appear. Leaf scorch – Burning of older leaf edges and scorching of the leaves is usually the result of applying fertilizer to the leaves, excessive sun exposure, or lack of water. Varieties with thin, translucent leaves are particularly prone to burn under drought stress or when phosphorus or potassium are deficient. The older foliage is particularly susceptible to drought damage.

Fall care and storage Continue to Fall care and storage Caladiums can be treated as annuals and left in the garden to be killed off in cold weather. However, it is possible to save caladium tubers for replanting the following year. In autumn, with the onset of cool nights, the leaves begin to fade and droop. Before the leaves have lost all color and before the soil temperature drops below 55°F, dig up the tubers to save, save the foliage, and sort by color or variety. Spread them out in a place protected from rain and cold and let them dry for a week. Do not place in full sun. After the leaves have dried, cut them from the tubers. Store the tubers in orange or onion sacks, or pack them lightly in dry peat moss and store in an area where the temperature will not drop below 60°F.

Authors Ervin Evans Retired Extension Associate (Consumer Horticulture)

Horticultural Science Lucy Bradley Municipal Horticultural Professor and Consultant

horticultural science

For more information, visit the following NC State Extension websites: Cut Flowers Extension Gardener Gardening Horticulture

Overwintering caladiums is the best way to keep your favorite strains year after year! Saving caladium bulbs over the winter can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, but it’s not particularly difficult. Don’t worry, I’ll show you exactly what to do in this post!

Even if you live in a cold climate like I do here in MN, it’s not difficult to keep caladiums through the winter and replant them every spring.

That’s a good thing because I’m a sucker for their gorgeous foliage. Every year I seem to end up buying at least one because they are so beautiful and unique.

But it’s expensive to buy them new every year. So I like to dig them up and store my caladiums over the winter. This way I can save some money in the spring.

Below I show everything you need to know about wintering caladiums. I’ll explain everything from when and how to dig them up, how best to store them, and when to replant them in spring.

Are caladiums perennials or annuals?

It’s common to find caladium plants for sale in the annual section of garden centers. But actually they are tender perennials that can survive for many years with the right winter care.

They can be left in the ground if you live in a warm climate (zone 9 or higher). But for most of us, if left outside, they won’t survive the winter. Therefore, in the fall, they need to be brought indoors.

Related Post: Overwintering Plants: The Complete Guide

Bring caladiums indoors for the winter

3 methods of overwintering caladiums

There are three ways to overwinter caladiums, and these methods work for all varieties. The technique you choose depends on your climate and where you planted it.

Leave the bulbs in the garden over the winter (if you live in a warm enough climate) Store in pots over the winter Digging up and storing the bulbs in the fall

How to overwinter caladium bulbs

In this section, I will detail each of the three methods of overwintering caladiums. The method you choose depends on where you live and whether you have them in pots or in the garden.

1. Overwinter caladium bulbs in the ground

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm enough climate (zone 9+), you can simply leave your caladiums in the ground all winter.

They will eventually become dormant and all foliage will die off. But once the ground warms up in the spring, they’ll come back better than ever.

If you plan on keeping them in the ground, make sure they are in a sheltered spot where they won’t get too much water. If kept too wet, the onions could rot.

Caladium comes out of hibernation

2. Overwintering caladiums in pots

If your caladiums are in containers, you can overwinter them directly in their pots. If you bring them indoors before the outside temperature drops below 60°F, you can extend their growing season by several weeks.

Otherwise, when it gets cooler in the fall, they naturally begin to go dormant and the leaves begin to die back.

They are not hardy at all, so be sure to bring them indoors before temperatures drop below 55F or the bulb may not survive.

Once the plant has died, cut off all the leaves. Then store the pot in a dry place where the temperature stays at around 60°F. Allow the soil to dry out and don’t water it all winter.

3. Digging and storing caladium bulbs for the winter

Digging up and storing the tubers is the most popular way to overwinter caladiums. With this technique, you’re lifting the whole plant out of the ground, including the bulbs and all.

They are very sensitive to cold, so it is extremely important that you raise them before they sink too low. Ideally, you should do it when it’s above 60°F, but definitely not below 50°F.

If you leave them in the ground for too long, frost can damage the bulb, meaning it probably won’t survive the winter in storage.

Related Post: How to Store Onions for the Winter

Caladiums planted in pots

Prepare caladiums for winter storage

The most common method of overwintering caladiums is to dig up the tubers from the ground and store them. Below I will give you details on how to lift and instructions on how to store the bulbs for the winter.

When to dig up caladiums

Since they don’t tolerate frost, you should dig up your caladiums before it gets too cold outside. Foliage will begin to die back naturally once the temperature drops below 60°F.

But it may not fully die before they need to be raised, which is fine. The leaves will eventually die off completely once the bulb goes into dormancy after you lift it.

How to dig up caladium tubers

Use a garden fork or spade shovel to gently lift them out of the ground. Be sure to start digging far enough from the center of the plant so you don’t accidentally cut or damage the tubers.

You can gently shake or brush off the excess dirt, but do not rinse. Then check if they are damaged or show signs of rot. Damaged or rotten onions do not store well and should be discarded.

Curing Caladium tubers before overwintering

Once you’ve lifted the tubers out of the ground, allow them to harden (dry out) for about a week before storing them.

After drying, the leaves fall off or easily detach from the tuber. Remove any dead leaves before storing them for the winter.

How to store caladium bulbs for the winter

In order to successfully winter caladiums, they must be packaged and stored properly. Getting this wrong is by far the most common mistake newbies make.

Packing the onions for storage

It is very important to use good packaging material for storing your caladium bulbs. It should be completely dry and light enough to allow the tubers to breathe, otherwise they may become moldy or rot.

The type of storage container you use is also important. For best results, choose something made of cardboard or paper rather than plastic. Plastic holds too much moisture, which is not what you want for dormant onions.

I like to pack mine in a box filled with either dry peat moss or coir. But you could mix in some perlite if you have that on hand.

Or try a different medium like sawdust, newspaper, or pet litter. Pack the onions loosely with plenty of material around them to keep them from touching.

Where to store caladium bulbs

You can store Caladium lightbulbs in the basement, in a heated garage, or in a closet. As long as they stay cool and dry, they should be good to go.

Place the box on a shelf in a cool, dark place where they will stay dry. Keep the temperature around 60°F.

Store caladium bulbs in peat moss for the winter

Caladium winter care tips

The hardest part about overwintering caladiums is making sure the bulbs don’t get too much moisture. This is true whether you left them in the ground, in pots, or boxed up for storage.

If they get too much water in winter, they will rot. It’s also a good idea to check them a few times to make sure they aren’t getting moldy or drying out too much.

If you find mold, throw it away immediately so it doesn’t spread to the other onions.

Replant caladium bulbs after overwintering

When transplanting your caladium bulbs in the spring, getting the timing right is very important. Follow the instructions below to get the best results.

When to plant caladiums

Wait to transplant caladia until spring has passed.

It is also important to wait until the soil has warmed up to 20 °C and has had a chance to dry out a bit. You can use a soil thermometer to check.

Be patient here. It is not beneficial to plant them early. If the soil is wet and cold, the tubers will grow extremely slowly. Or worse, they may end up rotting.

Retrieve dormant potted caladiums from storage 4-6 weeks before your last frost date.

Give them a deep drink of water and put them in a bright, warm place. Wait until it’s above 60°F before taking her back outside.

How to prepare caladium bulbs for planting

To break the silence and wake them up faster, you can soak caladium bulbs before planting them.

Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and let it soak for two to 12 hours. I like to soak mine in compost tea to give them an extra boost.

Then, after I’ve planted my tubers, I pour the rest of the compost tea I soaked them in over them to water them.

Caladium tubers start indoors

If you want to transplant your tubers earlier, you can start them indoors 4-6 weeks before your average last frost. Plant them in a container filled with potting soil.

Water until it comes out of the holes in the bottom of the pot, allowing the excess to drain completely.

Then put them in a warm, bright place. If you put them on a heating mat, they will germinate faster.

Caladium wintering FAQs

Below are the answers to some of the most common questions I get about caladia overwintering. If you can’t find yours here, leave a comment below.

Can caladiums grow indoors?

Technically yes, caladiums can be grown indoors, but it’s quite difficult. They naturally need a rest period during the winter months, so it’s best to give them rest.

You could certainly try keeping yours indoors through the summer and then letting them rest during the winter.

Can caladiums be overwintered in pots?

Yes, you can leave caladiums in pots over the winter. Allow the soil to dry out completely, remove any dead leaves and store the pot in a cool, dark, dry place until spring.

Can you leave caladium bulbs in the ground over the winter?

You can leave caladium bulbs in the ground over the winter if you live somewhere warm enough. They are hardy in USDA growing zones 9 and higher.

Do Caladien come back every year?

Yes, Caladien come back every year. With the right winter care, they will survive and grow back year after year.

How Long Can You Store Caladium Bulbs?

Under the right conditions, you can store caladium bulbs for several months. However, try not to let them dormant for too long, I recommend replanting them every spring.

But if for some reason you can’t plant them right away in spring, storing them for a few extra weeks should be fine. Just check them regularly to make sure the onions aren’t too dry.

Now that you know how to save caladiums through the winter, you can keep your favorite strains year after year. Plus, once you get the hang of overwintering caladiums, you don’t have to feel guilty about buying new plants every year.

If you’re struggling to keep your houseplants alive until spring, then my e-book on winter houseplant care is for you. It will teach you everything you need to know to be successful again. Download your copy today!

More articles about overwintering plants

Share your caladia wintering tips in the comments below.

Caladium bulbs should be planted eyes up, “hairs in the air,” with about 1 ½ – 2 inches of soil above them, since the roots emerge from the top of the bulbs. Caladia will grow well in all soil types; However, a well-drained peat soil is optimal. If you think your soil isn’t ideal, you can incorporate some good potting soil, leaf soil, or peat moss into your own soil before planting.

Landscape Planting: The table below gives our recommended bulb spacing when you want a beautiful full planting or full border with a mass of solid colour. For a large bed, we recommend planting your bulbs in rows at the spacing below, and planting the bulbs in a zigzag pattern to maximize their leaf cover.

bulb size diameter

planting distance

No. 1 1 ½” – 2 ½” 6” – 8” apart jumbo

2 ½” – 3 ½” 10” – 12” apart

If you prefer to show clumps of color rather than a mass of color, or you want to plant them among other foliage, plant 3-4 #1 size bulbs or 1-2 jumbo size bulbs in each area. These clumps should give you nice big pops of color in your landscaping.

Helpful Tip for Planting Around Trees: It’s natural for us to want to plant Caladiums around big beautiful trees. These trees are often surrounded by many roots and little soil. In this case, place the bulbs on the ground at your preferred spacing around the tree, and then place soil on top of the bulbs. Remember to make sure there is 1 ½” – 2″ of soil above them.

Plants in Pots and Containers: Caladiums are beautiful in pots, hanging baskets and containers. As with landscaping, you need to have 1 ½ – 2 inches of soil over the bulbs. The soil depth under the bulb does not have to be deep as the roots emerge from the top of the bulbs. The table below shows our recommendation for the number of bulbs to plant in different container sizes.

Pot Size Number of Bulbs 6″ 3 #1 or 1 jumbo 8″ 4 #1 or 2 jumbo 10″ 5 #1 or 2-3 jumbo 12″ 6 #1 or 3 jumbo

Growing pots indoors: For northern areas where summer temperatures arrive later in the year, you may want to grow your caladiums indoors in pots and then move them outside once temperatures have warmed. Pots should be kept in a very warm range of 70°F or above to encourage them to come out of dormancy. The warmer the temperatures you can provide, the faster they will grow. Once the leaves emerge, make sure they’re in an area that gets optimal sunlight until temperatures are right to get them outside.

As houseplants, caladiums tend to grow long “leggy” stems when near sunlight. For this reason, we do not recommend them as ideal houseplants. However, we have many clients who are happy with their indoor results.

Helpful tip for those who plant in pots and containers: if you start your bulbs in pots, these pots can be planted or sunk directly into your landscaping. So you can easily harvest the onions in their pots in autumn. After the first cold snap has knocked back the leaves, you can pull up the whole pot and store it somewhere warm above 20°C for the winter. The pots could be stacked and kept out of sight until you bring them out next summer and start watering again. The same storage tactic can be used for all caladium plantings in containers.