How to Plant and Care for Your Caladiums

When to Plant Your Caladiums

For best results, plant Caladium bulbs in the spring, after the last frost has passed. Ensure that the outdoor temperature is consistently above 60°F, with the soil temperature reaching at least 65°F. If it’s still too early to plant outdoors or if you live in a colder climate, start your Caladiums indoors in a warm and moist (but not soggy) area until it's time to transplant them outside.

Where to Plant Your Caladiums

Caladiums thrive when planted in containers with bright, indirect sunlight or in landscape beds with partial shade. They are ideal for adding vibrant color to shaded or partially shaded garden areas.

How to Plant Your Caladiums

Instead of using a shovel, we suggest using a Bulb Auger for easier planting. Dig a hole 1.5 to 2 inches deep for standard bulbs, and space the bulbs 1-2 feet apart. For larger bulbs, plant one per square foot to ensure they have ample space for proper growth.

Caring for Your Caladiums

How much sunlight, water, and fertilizer do Caladiums need?
Caladiums are sun-tolerant but require consistent watering, especially if exposed to long periods of sunlight. Ensure the soil stays moist, but not soggy. Water your Caladiums early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid overwatering. Fertilize your Caladiums monthly with bone meal for the best results.

What Zones Can Caladiums Grow In?

Caladiums grow well as annuals in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. In zones 9-11, they thrive as perennials, returning year after year. If you have potted Caladiums, you can bring them indoors during the winter or on cold nights to protect them from frost.

Are Caladiums Annuals or Perennials?

Caladiums are considered perennials in warmer climates (zones 9-11), where they will bloom year after year. In cooler regions, they are typically treated as annuals unless their bulbs are stored indoors during the colder months.

How Fast Do Caladiums Grow?

Caladiums are fast-growing plants, especially when provided with adequate sunlight and water. You can expect them to start sprouting in just a few weeks after planting!

How Tall and Wide Can Caladiums Grow?

Caladiums typically grow between 1 to 2 feet tall and spread approximately 1 to 1.5 feet wide, making them a great choice for adding a splash of color and texture to your garden, patio, or containers.