How to Grow Caladiums
Caladiums, also known as the mother-in-law plant, are very easy to grow from bulbs. With its beautiful colors and large heart or arrowhead shaped leaves, this plant makes a wonderful addition to any shade garden. They come in a variety of colors, but for the most dramatic effect, mass only 1 or 2 colors together in a border or in a container. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Grow caladiums outside year round in Zone 10. Zones 3 to 9 must be dug and stored for winter. Buy large, healthy bulbs free of mold or mildew at your local nursery.
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Plant bulbs knobby side up indoors in 4-inch pots filled with a mixture of loam, coarse sand and peat moss. Add 1/2 tsp. of 5-10-5 fertilizer for each pot. When the soil is warm in May and the temperature stays above 70 degrees, transfer outside to prepared beds or containers. If all danger of frost has passed and you don't mind a little slower start, you may skip the pre-planting and plant the bulbs directly into the ground at this point.
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Fertilize the plants each month during growing season.
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Overwinter the caladiums in the following manner. In the fall, lift the bulb out of the ground with a clump of soil. Set it out to dry in a frost-free, shaded spot. Let dry for about two days. Cut off the dried foliage and store in a moderately warm place. Place several like bulbs in brown paper sacks and label with the variety name. The caladiums will be ready to grow again next spring and you can start this process all over again.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut caladium leaves make beautiful arrangements and will keep indoors for 2 to 3 weeks. Soak the leaves for 24 hours before using in an arrangement.
