Caladium Project List

Caladiums are a must-have to light up shady spaces in beds and containers in
summer. Consult this supply list for the products for best success and see the
reverse for planting instructions.

• Espoma Bulb-tone— Caladiums appreciate a good organic fertilizer mixed into the
  prepared soil at the time of planting.
•  Acidified Compost or Azalea Soil Mix—both of these products lower the pH of the
  soil for acid-loving plants. In un-amended clay soil, the mix is ideal. For amended soils, simply
  adding the acidified compost is usually enough.
• Mulch—Retains moisture and helps regulate soil temperature. Mulch only lightly around
  caladiums; be cautious to not crowd the plants with mulch as this can cause rot.
• Epsom Salt— Caladiums appreciate the boost of magnesium and will do well with Epsom
  salt mixed into the soil at the time of planting (about 1 tablespoon per tuber, mixed well into
  surrounding soil).
• Expanded Shale—a porous, lightweight gravel that increases drainage and aeration and
  helps to break up native clay soils, which is especially important for caladiums.
  Glossary of some common Caladium terms:
•  Tuber: A fleshy, underground bulb-like structure from which leaves and roots grow
• Eye: The dominant leaf bud, surrounded by smaller, or axillary leaf bud.
•  De-Eye: Many Caladium growers recommend removing the dominant bud to encourage fuller, thicker
  growth (see reverse).
•  Fancy Leaf: Varieties that have larger, broader leaves and are best suited for shade.
• Strap Leaf: Varieties that have smaller, more pointed leaves and are more tolerant of direct sun.
• Size or Grade: The sorted size of the tuber, which typically determines how it is sold and how many
  eyes or leaf buds it has.
  

How to Plant Caladium Tubers:
Caladiums are tropical foliage plants available in a variety of colors. They brighten up shady
gardens and are ideal for container plantings, too. ‘Fancy Leaf’ varieties typically make a
larger, broader leaf, and these are best suited for shade. ‘Strap Leaf’ varieties typically have a
narrower, more pointed leaf and are considered to be more tolerant of sun, although we don’t
recommend full sun sites—morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.

Caladium tubers are sorted and sold by grade, or size:

• No. 1: 1 ½” to 2 ½” (4.0 – 6.5 cm)
• Jumbo: 2 ½” to 3 ½” (6.5 – 9.0 cm)
• Mammoth: 3 ½” to 4 ½” (9.0 – 11.5 cm)

While our collection of Caladium tubers typically arrives by late March, we recommend waiting until
nearer to Mother’s Day (May) to plant, after soils have warmed sufficiently.

PREP: Caladiums thrive in loose, well-amended soils that are rich in organic matter. It’s imperative that it
drains well (no standing water). They thrive in slightly acidic soil, so amending with Acidified Cotton Burr
Compost or Azalea Planting Mix is a good idea, especially for heavier clay soils.

Work an organic fertilizer such as Espoma Bulb-tone or Bone Meal into the soil to a depth of about 4” before planting. Caladiums also like Epsom salt, so you can water them in with Epsom salt dissolved in water, or sprinkle a bit over the soil at the time of planting.

DE-EYE (Optional): To de-eye, cut out the terminal/dominant buds or sprout(s) (eyes) using a small knife.
Staying within the diameter of the eye, remove the entire eye by cutting about 1/8” - 1/4” deep into the bulb. Remember, it is critical to stay within the diameter of the eye to eliminate damage to the small eyes (axillary or lateral buds) that surround the perimeter of the main eye. You may want to dust the tuber with dusting sulfur during the curing process to avoid fungal infection before planting.

PLANT: Tubers are planted 1 1/2” -2 1/2” deep in prepared soil. Water them in lightly after planting, and if
desired, topdress with mulch. Leaves will begin to sprout in 10-14 days (depending on temperature).
Caladiums will last longest when they receive ample moisture, are protected from excessive sun, and when
any blooms that try to appear are quickly removed.

Speak with a Garden Advisor for questions and additional help in growing caladiums.

Compliments of North Haven Gardens · 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas, TX 75230 · (214) 363-5316 · www.NHG.com