|
The Tucson Gardener |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In the Garden Calendar
Local Garden Links
You're visiting Tucsongardener.com |
Shade Loving
Heat Lovers The bulbs or tubers are generally graded by their size with the larger ones costing the most money. Size names start with the largest in the mammoth and jumbo category and then graded by number with the size of the tuber decreasing as the grading number becomes larger. The actual grading system may vary somewhat depending on the Caladium grower.
The larger the tubers planted, the bigger the plant will be. More of the smaller bulbs may be required to fill in the same amount of space, whereas just a few of the Mammoth or Jumbo size bulbs would suffice. Most of the Caladiums you find prepackaged in the local stores are smaller in size and lower in price than bulbs you might order from a catalog. If you order direct from a Florida grower you can often choose the size of the bulbs you wish to grow.
In addition a major advantage to ordering from a catalog or online grower is the overall selection of color combinations, height variation and leaf structure. Most of the Caladiums will be fancy leaf and depending on the variety can grow anywhere from 12 to almost 30 inches. Another cultivar is the Lance with a narrow leaf and more compact growing habit which would make them better suited for hanging baskets and smaller containers. Grown in Florida the Caladiums are susceptible to the state's unusual weather conditions and with the horrendous hurricane season in 2004 much of the Caladium bulb production was destroyed so there was a shortage of cultivars and bulbs available for the 2005 growing season.
Tropical in nature, Caladiums are sensitive to cold and bulbs are usually not shipped unless the growers are sure the weather will be above 65 degrees. Warmth and moisture are considered two of the Caladiums best friends. They need both to flourish. For containers I use a fairly good potting soil capable of holding moisture, mix in a little slow release fertilizer, and make sure the eyes or bud are face up before I cover the tubers with one or two inches of soil. I then water and keep warm and moist until the first shoots begin to show. The number of bulbs planted depends on the size of the container, actual tuber size, and the desired effect of the final show of Caladium leaves. Although growers claim some Caladiums can be grown in full sun all the cultivars in my garden are grown in shade, or partial shade where I won't forget to water them on a regular basis. Even with all the shade, Tucson's dry summer conditions can cause some leaf burn on the colorful leaves.
The colorful Caladium leaves stand out like garden beacons and can become a favorite meal for rabbits and passing javelina. To get an early start on spring I'll plant large and small pots of Caladiums in the warm environment of the greenhouse. The small six-inch plastic pots makes it possible to get the Caladiums growing so I can move them at a later date whether it's to compliment an already planted container, transplant to a hanging basket, or add a little color inside the house when company comes for dinner. Easy to grow, Caladiums you start in an inexpensive pot make great plant gifts for the novice or anyone that wants to add a bit of color to their spring and summer garden. Caladium maintenance consists of regular watering and occasional removal of any spent foliage. If a slow release fertilizer wasn't added at planting the bulbs can be fertilized with an application of liquid fertilizer every six weeks. The bulbs produce a less than spectacular spathe like flower that can be left on the plant or removed.
Like many foliage plants insects might become a problem although in my garden I have more problems with diet conscious four footed wildlife that think the colorful leaves are an offer of summer salad, and not the expected whiteflies, aphids or mealy bugs. As the growing season spirals down and weather begins to cool, the gardener has four options with their handling of their Caladiums.
If you haven't tried Fancy Leaf Caladiums with their mix of reds, pinks, greens and white color you're missing some easy to grow summer color that loves the heat as long as it's in the shade. Bulbs are usually available in the spring at garden centers and nurseries. For a larger bulb sizes, and leaf color selection look at your seed and garden catalogs or visit Caladium World or Caladiums On Line. You may also find pre-planted container grown Caladiums in garden centers and nurseries in early summer. (2005) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Current Cultivations |
Garden Clubs |
Garden Books |
In the Garden Calendar
| Tucson's Wildlife
| Local Links
| Links
for Special Needs |
The Archive |
The Tool Shed
| FAQ | |
|
The Tucson Gardener
- Tucson's Gardening Information Site |