Planting Instructions, Caladium World

Planting Information

Upon receiving your caladiums:
1. open the box at once, and spread them for air, otherwise rotting can occur.
2. keep them at 70 to 90 degrees at all times.

about planting
1. make sure the ground is hot. Be sure that they are in a well drained area.
2. partially shaded areas are best.
3. two or three inches under the soil is recommended.
4. hot and moist soil is needed for caladiums to germinate rapidly, water caladiums frequently keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. every six weeks a light application of 6-6-6 fertilizer is sufficient.

about caladiums
Caladiums are tropical by nature and do not like cold weather. Consistently hot weather (day and night) is necessary for germination. The hotter the temperature, the faster they will grow. Bulbs can be planted in any direction. They will orient themselves as they sprout. If shoots are present when you receive your bulbs, they should be planted upright for faster growth. Lack of water during germination can result in initially smaller leaves. The bulbs should be only two inches under the soil.

about color
- If bulbs are planted in deep shade, the green color
of the caladiums will tend to dominate
-If planted in highly acidic soil, the darker colors will
dominate
- Miracle Gro can cause color variations - use
carefully
- Several varieties change color as they mature -
please be patient

about spacing
Larger bulbs produce more leaves. Smaller bulbs planted in a cluster will give the same effect as a larger bulb. Leaf size is determined by the size of the eyes on a bulb. Larger bulbs have a better chance of having larger eyes. See the suggested spacing below to determine proper planting distance.

BULB SIZE - PLANTING DISTANCE
#3 = 1"-2"
#2 = 2"-4"
#1 = 4"-7"
Jumbo = 8"-10"

about storage
The bulbs should be dug before the first frost. Time permitting, the leaves should be allowed to dry up and fall off naturally. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed by the bulb. The leaves may also be removed by cutting them off close to the bulb, being careful not to cut into the bulb. Any cuts or tears into the bulb increase the chance of fungus/rot during storage. Ideally, the bulbs should be stored in flats in an area that is going to stay at 70 degrees or warmer with good ventilation. If space is limited, the bulbs may be placed in mesh bags with peat moss as a separator. Check bulbs periodically for softness or rot and discard. Bulbs can be replanted in the spring.