sandih
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 948
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
Did a google search on caladium bulbs and found:
How to Grow:
It's best to give your Caladiums a head start. Roots can be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. We recommend individual containers. 4" to 6" peat pots work well for transplanting later, with minimal transplant shock.
Plant roots, round side up, 1 1/2"- 2" deep, in rich starter soil, peat moss, or vermiculite. Roots should have a few buds on them. Water well the first time, then keep the soil moist. The plant needs warm soil to sprout.
If planting as an indoor houseplant, plant roots directly into the container they will grow in.
Tip: To promote more leaves, remove the largest bud in the center of the root.
Being native to the tropics, Caladium does not like cold weather. Wait to transplant them outdoors until all danger of frost has past, and the soil has warmed.
Select a location that is shady, or does not receive direct sunlight. Caladium likes rich soil. The soil needs to be kept moist, but should be well draining. If the soil is poor, add generous amounts of compost and manure.
Caladium grows well with little care or attention. Fertilize outdoors once a month with a general purpose fertilizer. Indoors, use a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. During the growing period, remove any dead or damaged leaves.
In the fall, dig up the roots for storage. The roots will survive overwintering outdoors only in the warmest areas of the country. |
|
