Caladiums are a summertime pleasure in New Orleans as well as just about everywhere. They begin to produce the fancy colored leaves once the temperatures have warmed up. Typically you should plant the bulbs once the ground temperature is around 70 degrees for best results. If you plant the bulbs to early, sometimes the kinda rot in the ground. I always say…buy them already growing.
Caladiums need almost no care. So when a guy comes into The Garden Gates, I typically suggest Caladiums. Don’t think I just do it to guys…ladies that often tell me they are ” Plant Killers” receive the same advice.
For best results follow the below directions.
1. Buy quality plants. I typically point people away from bulbs but if you must…Pay More and buy #1 size
2. Make sure to fertilize regularly. What I mean is at planting apply a granular fertilizer like Dynamite and follow up again at the 3 month mark. Use the fancy Iphone and make yourself a note.
3. Once your Caladiums are growing and doing well, ” Clean them” no broom needed but definitely remove under-foliage, broken or dying leaves. I always say, “dead and dying plants don’t belong in a garden” Try to stay unattached and replace plants as needed.
