Caladium: A Tropical Beauty
Description
🌸 Caladium Care Guide
Caladiums are tropical beauties known for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. Whether grown in gardens or pots, they add stunning color to shady spaces. Here’s how to keep them happy and thriving:
🪴 Planting Tips
- Best Time to Plant: After the last frost, when daytime temperatures stay above 21°C (70°F).
- Where to Plant: Choose shady or partially shaded areas. They love warm, humid spots.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil. If water stays after rain, mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
- Spacing: Plant tubers 2 inches deep and 8–12 inches apart, with the “eye” or growing point facing up.
☀️ Light Requirements
- Ideal Light: Caladiums prefer filtered sunlight, bright indirect light, or partial shade.
- In Hot Climates: Full shade is best to prevent leaf burn.
💧 Watering
- Keep Soil Moist: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
- Avoid Overwatering: Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Tip: Use mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
- Warm Weather Lovers: They thrive in temperatures above 21°C.
- Humidity: High humidity is ideal. Mist the leaves or place near other plants to increase moisture in the air.
🌱 Fertilizing
- Feed Monthly: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to early autumn).
- Avoid Overfeeding: Too much fertilizer can cause leaf damage.
🍂 Dormancy & Storage
- End of Season: In cooler climates, Caladiums go dormant in autumn.
- Storing Tubers: Dig them up before the first frost, let them dry, and store in a cool, dry place until spring.
🐛 Common Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Yellow Leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Improve soil, reduce watering |
| Leaf Burn | Too much direct sunlight | Move to a shadier spot |
| No Growth | Cold soil or tubers planted too deep | Wait for warmer temps, replant shallower |
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