Caladium care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Caladium

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 4 days

While in leaf from May to September, water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; keep it sparse in early spring until shoots appear.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

Once the leaves start yellowing, space waterings out to a few days after the soil dries, as a guide, and stop when the foliage has died back.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every month

The dormant tuber is kept almost dry, as a guide, with the soil barely moistened about once a month.

Light and placement for Caladium

Bright light through a sheer curtain is about right; strong sun scorches the thin leaves, while low light dulls the colors and stretches the stalks.

Overwintering Caladium

Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above

When the leaves die down in autumn, let the tuber rest, as a guide: keep the pot dry somewhere above about 10°C, or lift the tuber and store it wrapped in dry sawdust or similar.

Fertilizing and repotting Caladium

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid feed about every two weeks from May to August while the leaves unfold; taper off from September and give none during dormancy.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Caladium

• The autumn die-back is mistaken for death and the tuber gets thrown away.
• Watering during dormancy rots the tuber.
• Planted while it is still cold, the tuber fails to sprout and rots.

Tips for growing Caladium

• Plant once temperatures reach about 20°C, shallowly with the eye of the tuber facing up.
• It can also be treated as an annual, enjoyed for its summer foliage only.
• Cut any flower early so the plant puts its energy into the leaves.

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