Once they sprout, move into indirect light. In order to keep new leaves coming up, it is essential that the plant is fed with a balanced soluble fertilizer around two to three times a month. While this may sometimes be difficult to distinguish in some varieties, those that ar… Caladiums as cut flowers will keep for 2-3 weeks and make a gorgeous display in a vase or floral arrangement. If you're looking for a plant to fill a large area, Elephant's Ears are ideal. "For a big show of color, pick your favorite selection and plant a bunch," Stewart says. Store in a dry location at 55 degrees or above. Cut larger tubers into chunks with a few eyes (the small pointy buds), then either pot them up indoors or plant them outdoors in the spring (in May for … In most other areas, you'll save several weeks of growing time by transplanting potted plants that are already up and growing. Wintering Caladiums: In the Tropical South, you can leave tubers in the ground year-round. To experience our wide variety of beautiful Caladiums be sure to view our catalog. Their rest period isn't determined by temperature or light cycle, but by how long the plant has been growing. Space them 8 to 14 inches apart, depending on the ultimate size of your plants as listed on the tag. Some easy care tips. Their tall stems (2-3 ft.) and rather sparse, grass-like foliage make them ideal for interplanting. Nurseryman Stewart Myers of Myers Plants & Pottery in Pelham, Alabama, (myersplantsandpottery.com) has been planting thousands of caladium tubers every year for the last 30 years. Caladiums grown in full sun will require more water and will have a bit shorter life span due to the harsher growing conditions. When you plant caladiums, you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. As such, they will need to be planted when the air and soil temperature is warm. ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter. Wait until the soil warms to plant outdoors. They are a great way to add color to shady areas. Let tubers dry in a shaded area for a few days. Regular fertilizing of these plants is needed to keep them healthy and growing, owing to the fact that this plant is basically all leaves. Caladiums (Caladium bicolor) are ornamental leafy plants grown from tubers. In the rest of the South, you'll need to dig them up in early fall if you want to replant next year. Their ease of planting is legendary, and even the most inexperienced gardener has great success in nurturing Caladiums. Wait to plant your caladiums outdoors until two or three weeks after the last frost date. If you have followed our planting instructions and have kept the buibs from freezing and are not satisfied, we will gladly replace the bulbs or refund your money. Some newer selections can take more sun. Request a copy of our free seasonal catalog. Learn how to plant, grow and care for caladiums! Caladiums, on the other hand, can have both types of petiole attachment. Fertilize every six weeks with a 6-6-6 type fertilizer or slow release type fertilizer. They are a great way to add color to shady areas. It is critical to wait to plant your caladiums until your soil temperature is at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is crucial to Caladium houseplant care as the tubers are native to South American tropical forests and produce seasonal foliage during the rainy, warm season. To start caladiums indoors for outdoor planting, pot the tubers about 4 - 6 weeks before your last frost date. Pruning is not necessary, but you should remove dead or damaged leaves during growing season to make your plant look neat. Avoid direct sunlight! "If you plant too early, when the soil is still cool, your bulbs will rot," he says. These gorgeous variegated caladiums can be purchased as potted plants, but you might have better chances of finding them as tubers, through mail order (they’re much more shippable, for one thing). Caladiums are ideal for both new and experienced gardeners because they are so easy to grow. Elephant ear plants are fairly easy to grow once they’re established. Large plants are exquisite on their own and smaller plants provide an exceptional complement to other plants with color, like Caladiums. Add mulch, such as pine straw, to help retain soil moisture and conserve water. Place them in dry peat moss to store. Common names: Caladium, angel wings, and elephant ears (a name shared by several different species of large-leaf tropical plants). Frequently mist the leaves of your plant with water to provide them some humidity. The brilliant foliage of this classic plant is often translucent, which makes them light up your garden. Light for Caladiums: All caladiums love filtered sunlight and shade. If you have any questions or would like more information please e-mail us or call toll free 1-800-974-2558, we'd love to hear from you. Caladiums are frost-tender plants, so they require special care in order to survive the winter months in regions where temperatures drop down to or below freezing. Caladiums prefer shade, and in mild climates with no winter frost, they may be grown outdoors year-round. Caladiums like a slightly acid soil pH (5.5 - 6.2). Caladium plant is a semi-shade plant and it needs to be planted in areas where there is no extreme sun because it might cause the tuber to start rotting. | Remove any remaining leaves and roots. Cool weather will significantly delay germination. Indoors or out, caladiums are a seasonal plant, with foliage in the summer and a rest period in the autumn or winter. Elephant's ear bulbs produce large, leafy plants which add a tropical look to a home landscape. The Tuberose (polianthes tuberosa), is a flower that is both mythical and magical, its nectar said by some to have special powers and its scent magical to all who experience it. Generally, plant your bulbs with the soil temperatures warm to 65°F-70°F. They are at home in pots and can be placed outside when summer arrives. Otherwise, plant caladiums in containers or dig up the bulbs and bring them in before winter frost. See the recommended planting date for your area on the map to the left. If you plant them indoors, they will need transplanting. Mimicking the plant’s native conditions is key to successfully introducing the plant to the home interior. 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