Caladiums are a basic of many gardens and container displays for their colored heart - work leaves . But these tropical beauties have some specific care needs liken to other vulgar plant . By understand their preferences and requirements , you may keep caladiums happy and goodly all season .
How to Grow and Care for Caladiums
Light:
Caladiums boom in vivid , collateral light . Direct sun can sear their leaves , so fond shade is ideal . They do well under tree or on porch . Provide at least 4 hours of morning or mottled light . Too little light event in pale , leggy growth .
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Water:
Caladiums require consistently dampish soil but short drain is their downfall . Water when the top inch is dry , and use a grime with plenty of organic matter to retain moisture without becoming torpid . Never reserve the root to sit down in water .
Temperature:
As tropicals , caladium prefer fond experimental condition . Daytime high of 75 - 85 ° F are good . At night , keep temperatures above 65 ° F if potential to prevent leaf drop . They may struggle in temperature below 55 ° F .
Humidity:
Caladiums appreciate humid conditions like other tropical plants . For container plants , mist foliage occasionally on hot , dry day . Consider grouping pots together to put up localized humidity levels . Pebble trays can also boost humidness .
Fertilizer:
provender caladiums every 2 week through the growing season with a balanced , water - soluble plant intellectual nourishment . Too much nitrogen result in lush foliage but few blooms . Too small take pale growth . Aim for an N - atomic number 15 - K ratio around 10 - 10 - 10 .
Pruning:
Deadhead spent salad days to encourage reblooming . Cut back any leggy outgrowth after the main flush of bloom . In the crepuscule , cut plants back by half before the first frost to encourage shaggy-coated regrowth the next season .
Pests:
Watch forspider mites , aphids , andmealybugswhich can make leaf drops . Isolate infected plants and care for them with insecticidal soap or neem fossil oil . reckon preventative sprays if growing caladiums indoors .
Propagation:
Divide caladium bulbs in spring or autumn . Cut tuber into section with at least one oculus each . Replant immediately in moist grime . New tubers will form at the final stage of the time of year .
Winter:
Lift tubers before frost and heal them for 2 weeks in a lovesome , dry spot . Then store in peat or vermiculite at 55 - 60 ° atomic number 9 over wintertime . Replant in spring once dark temp are above 50 ° F systematically .
