Gardening Guide: How to Grow and Care for Caladium

Caladiums are tropical plants that grow best in warm soil temperatures and hot weather—above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In a warm climate, caladiums will experience a long growing season. You can plant caladium bulbs directly into your garden during the spring, after the last frost has passed. Check your hardiness zone to verify your frost dates.

Planting caladiums is a simple process for gardeners of all levels. If you’re ready to start planting your own caladiums, check out the following steps:

1. 1. Choose a site. Some caladium varieties can tolerate full sun, but most will thrive under partial shade. Make sure the spot you pick when planting caladium bulbs provides a balance of direct sunlight and shade for your plants.
2. 2. Prepare your soil. Caladiums prefer moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, so use compost and organic matter to improve (or balance) your soil’s condition. A soil test can show you which elements your garden soil lacks or needs, making it easier to select the proper nutrients.
   
3. 3. Plant. Plant your bulbs about two to four inches deep, with one and a half to two inches of cover soil. Depending on the size of the bulb (bigger bulbs produce more foliage), plant caladium bulbs anywhere from four to 12 inches apart. While caladium bulbs will grow no matter which way they’re facing, they do have a “top” and “bottom.” The top side—the eyes—is knobby or spiky, where the bottom part is more smooth. Planting with the “eyes” side up will lead to a happier plant, and likely fewer complications during the growing process.
4. 4. Water. After planting your caladiums, water the planting area well to settle the soil around the caladium tubers.

Caladiums are a low-maintenance plant. Here are a few steps you can take ensure that your caladiums will thrive:

1. 1. Mulch. Mulching preserves soil moisture and can help keep weeds at bay. Adding a layer of pine straw to the soil can reduce the rate of water evaporation.
2. 2. Fertilize. Fertilize your caladiums around once a month with a well-balanced fertilizer or bone meal.
3. 3. Water. Water in proportion to how much direct sunlight your plants receive. If your caladiums receive full sun for longer periods of time, you’ll need to water more often to keep the soil from drying out. Caladiums will start to droop when they are thirsty, which is usually a good indication that it’s time to water the plant.
4. 4. Harvest. Harvest the dormant bulbs at the end of the season, when cooler temperatures arrive (below 60 degrees Fahrenheit), before the first frost. Let the bulbs dry, remove the dead leaves, and store the bulbs in net bags until the next year.
   

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