CALADIUMS
  (from the new handbook)  

  Caladium bicolor Rose Bud

18 inches tall  (available at Park Seeds)

The caladium is a bright, bold-leaved plant that is grown mainly for its foliage in both sun or shade. It produces broad arrow-shaped leaves in striking color combinations of reds, pinks, whites and bi-colors. Flowers are insignificant and can be removed when first noted.

Caladiums will tolerate hot humid temperatures. Plant when the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees.

Caladiums need night temperature in the high 50’s and days about 80. Soil should be constantly moist. Plant tubers 2 inches deep and about 6 to 8 inches apart. Plant with the knobby side of the caladium tuber up.

Planting them upside down will delay emergence of leaves but not hurt the plants. The soil should be light and well drained. Leaf mold or peat moss may be added for better results. Water very little at first to prevent deterioration, then water freely when leaves appear.

In cooler climates start in 6 inch pots about 3 weeks before you are ready to plant in the garden. Keep them warm. Fertilize every 5 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 6-6-6.

Regular feeding is generally necessary since we water caladiums a lot to keep them turgid and happy. Caladiums do well when grown in containers indoors, especially if you give
them some supplementary light and keep them warm (above 70 degrees.) Those producing shorter stems and a large number of leaves, such as the lance-leaved types are best.

Caladiums may be exhibited as potted plants, cut flower cultivars or cut leaf specimens. The flower show schedule should designate what is desired. Caladiums are characterized as Fancy Leaf and New and Different.

Fancy Leaf are broken down into medium to large leaf from 12 to 24 inches tall, and Large to Extra-large leaf from 18 to 30 inches tall. These are broken down into three colors, pink, red and white.

New and Different Caladiums are divided into three groups. Dwarf leaf which is similar in appearance to fancy leaved caladiums but have smaller leaves. They grow from 6 to 14 inches tall. Lance leaf varieties have a lance- point shaped leaf with ruffled edges. Strap leaf varieties produce more leaves making them ideal for ground cover or front row plantings. Typically they stay under 12 inches in height.
Examples of Fancy Leaf cultivars. Pink: Kathleen, Pink Beauty, Rosebud, Carolyn Wharton. Red: Brandy Wine, Frieda Hemple, Red Flash, Postman Joyner. White: Aaron, White Christmas, June Bride, Candidum. Lance Leaf: Jackie Suthers, Pink Symphony, White Wing. Strap Leaf: Pink Gem, Red Frill
Dwarf: Candidum Junior, Miss Muffet.

Cutting and Conditioning Leaves1. Cut stems off near the bottom and immediately set stems in water. They will go through a wilt stage in the first 24 hours; however, they will perk up.

2. DO NOT place in the refrigerator or a cool place. The leaf will hold up to 2 weeks at room temperature; however, the color may fade. 3. Check the leaf on both sides for cracks or bruises. Hold up to the light to check the back.

4. Rinse leaf carefully - Do Not Scrub. Use cotton ball or swab to clean hard to get to areas.