Planting Caladium Bulbs Indoors

Fertilize every six weeks with a 6 6 6 type fertilizer or slow release type fertilizer.

Planting caladium bulbs indoors.

Soil temperature is an important consideration as planting too early outdoors can cause tubers to rot. If you re planting caladiums in pots a standard rich potting soil will do. Prepare the soil for planting. Just like other perennials that start to perk up and come alive in spring caladium varieties grown indoors will do the same.

Planting caladium bulbs takes little effort. If the soil is sandy mix in some peat moss to improve moisture retention. Plant right side up. Make sure the soil drains well by digging a hole and filling it with water.

Additionally caladium plants produce leaves only from spring to fall and then require a rest period of around five months to recharge and sprout anew in spring. They are normally available during caladium s resting period from late fall to early spring. Caladiums are seasonal plants even in the tropics where gardeners plant them in the spring and summer months when they ll thrive in the heat and wet. Mulch around the planting and keep moist throughout the season.

Starting the roots indoors six to eight weeks before planting them out in late spring ensures healthy plants and. Caladiums need rich well drained soil. Plant the top of the bulb 1 1 2 to 2 inches below the surface with the eyes up. Till the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches 15 2 cm and work in compost or chopped leaves to enrich it.

Growing indoors the perfect place for your caladiums would be in an east or west facing window. The easiest way for a home grower is to obtain tubers. Law price easy to ship and a plant true to the type. They can be planted directly in the garden during spring or started indoors four to six weeks before the average frost date.

Growing caladium as indoor plants has its challenges though as the plant requires high humidity and heated home interiors are generally quite arid. Caladiums grow from a tuberous root that sends out leaves and stem in early summer. At the onset of spring start watering your caladium houseplant once. Generally plant your bulbs with the soil temperatures warm to 65 f 70 f.

When grown indoors they do best with lots of heat bright but indirect light and plenty of humidity. Use about a teaspoon per bulb. If you are planting caladiums in northern climes you can start the bulbs earlier in a warm moist not soggy place inside and give them a head start see the interesting tip from ed groff at the bottom of this page.