Selling Part : Bulb | Secure Packing
Caladiums, often called "Angel Wings" or "Heart of Jesus," are popular for their vibrant, often heart-shaped, decorative leaves. White varieties, in particular, offer a stunning contrast in shady garden spots or as indoor plants.
Here's a comprehensive guide to caring for your white caladium bulbs:
1. Planting:
Timing: Plant caladium bulbs in spring after the last frost, when air temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15.6°C) and soil temperature is at least 65°F (18°C). Planting too early can stunt growth or cause rot.
Bulb Selection: Larger "Jumbo" bulbs (2.5-3.5 inches in diameter) tend to produce larger, fuller plants faster.
Depth and Spacing:
Plant bulbs about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) below the soil surface.
If the bulb has a painted white top, plant it with the white side facing up.
Space #1 size bulbs 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart, or two bulbs per square foot. For Jumbo bulbs, one per square foot is usually sufficient. Closer spacing creates a denser display.
Containers: Caladiums thrive in containers. Choose pots with good drainage.
2. Soil:
Type: Caladiums prefer rich, well-drained soil with a good amount of organic matter.
Drainage: Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent tuber rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider growing them in containers or raised beds.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7) is ideal.
3. Light:
Partial Shade to Full Shade: Most white caladium varieties perform best in part shade (4-6 hours of sun) to full shade (less than 4 hours of sun).
Avoid Direct Sun: Direct sunlight can scorch or burn the delicate leaves, especially for white varieties. Filtered light, like under a tree canopy, is excellent.
Indoor Placement: Indoors, place them near an east or west-facing window for bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun from south-facing windows.
4. Watering:
Consistency is Key: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Frequency: Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch.
Thorough Watering: When watering, soak the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
Morning Water: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day, which helps prevent fungal issues.
Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering is a common cause of tuber rot. Don't let the plant sit in standing water.
Dormancy: As the leaves start to die back in the fall, gradually reduce watering. Stop watering entirely when the foliage wilts.
5. Humidity:
High Humidity: Caladiums are tropical plants and love high humidity (50-70%).
Boosting Humidity:
Use a humidifier near indoor plants.
Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot isn't sitting in the water).
Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Avoid misting the leaves, as this can encourage fungal diseases.
6. Temperature:
Warmth: Caladiums love warmth. Their most active growth occurs during the warmest part of the season.
Growing Season: Ideal temperatures are between 68-95°F (20-35°C).
Dormancy: During dormancy, store bulbs in a warm, dry place above 60°F (15°C). Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F, which can stunt growth or cause discoloration.
7. Fertilizing:
Moderate Needs: Caladiums don't require heavy fertilization.
Outdoor Plants: If you have rich garden soil, regular fertilization might not be necessary. A soil test can help determine nutrient deficiencies. If needed, use a water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 12-6-6) every six weeks during the growing season.
Potted Plants: Use a slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 15-9-12) at the beginning of the growing season or apply an all-purpose liquid feed every two to four weeks.
Application: Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Too much fertilizer can cause leaves to be greener than desired.
8. Dormancy and Storage (for colder climates):
When to Prepare: In colder zones (where ground freezes), caladiums are typically grown as annuals or the bulbs are dug up for winter storage.
Signs of Dormancy: As autumn ends and temperatures drop, the foliage will start to yellow and die back.
Digging Up Bulbs:
Wait until fall temperatures consistently fall below 60°F (15.6°C).
Carefully dig up the bulbs with leaves still attached.
Gently knock off excess soil.
Allow the bulbs to air dry in a dry, well-ventilated space for a week or two until the leaves shrivel.
Once dry, cut off the shriveled leaves about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the bulb.
Storage: Store dry bulbs in a dark, well-ventilated, dry place (like a mesh bag, old pantyhose, or layered in peat moss/vermiculite) where temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C).
Replanting: Replant the following spring when soil and air temperatures are suitable.
9. Pests and Diseases:
Generally Resistant: Caladiums are relatively pest and disease resistant.
Common Issues:
Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and mushy stems.
Sunburn: Brown blotches on leaves, especially on white and pink varieties, indicate too much direct sun. Move to a shadier spot.
Leaf Spots: Can be caused by bacterial (Xanthomonas) or fungal infections. Ensure good air circulation and avoid getting foliage wet when watering.
Pests: Occasionally susceptible to common houseplant pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Inspect plants regularly and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
By providing these ideal conditions, your white caladium bulbs will flourish and bring stunning foliage to your garden or indoor space.
