Good to know about Caladium
Caladium is a tuberous plant with beautiful, thin, colorful, heart-shaped leaves. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments, but without direct sunlight. In Denmark, it is cultivated as a houseplant.
The Tuber
The tuber should not be soft. If the tuber is soft, it may be rotten. The tuber should feel firm.
Storage
The tubers should be stored dry and dark. They should be stored in a well-ventilated area and at temperatures not below 15 degrees Celsius.
Before Planting
Before planting, the tuber can be softened in water for a couple of hours. Afterward, plant the tuber. The tuber should be planted with the more pointed side facing up and the flatter side facing down.
Choosing a Pot and Soil
We recommend choosing a terracotta pot, as clay is a breathable material. The pot must have a drainage hole at the bottom. This prevents the tuber from rotting. You can also plant in a plastic container, but you need to pay more attention to the moisture level of the soil. You can choose a peat-based soil, which provides a soil environment with both air and moisture. Peat absorbs a lot of water, and after planting in peat, the tuber should not be given much water.
Planting
The tuber is planted in late winter to early spring. The better the weather and the warmer the spring, the faster the tuber will sprout. The growing season will typically be in July-August. The tuber requires light, warmth, and moisture. If you have challenging growing conditions, such as a lack of light and warmth, we recommend using grow lights, a heating mat, and a mini-greenhouse. The tuber should not be planted too deeply. Depending on the size of the tuber, you can fill approximately 2/3 of the pot with your chosen soil. The tuber is placed with the pointed side up, and a thin layer of soil is placed over it. Only the tip of the tuber should be visible at the soil surface. The soil should be thoroughly moistened and then should not be given much water. Cover with a plastic bag, a glass cloche, or a mini-greenhouse, which creates a humid and warm environment around the tuber.
During Sprouting
Your planted tuber should now be kept warm, around 18 degrees Celsius. The tuber should be allowed to dry out slightly, which helps prevent rot. Water only when the soil is dry. The tuber should be placed in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. To succeed with your tubers, you need to pay particular attention to light, warmth, and humidity (not wetness).
During Growth
Once the plant has reached a certain size, has developed a root system, and has leaves, the tuber can be repotted into a larger pot. Here you can use potting soil and perlite. The plant should be placed in a bright spot (not in direct sunlight) and kept warm (between 20-26 degrees Celsius). The more light it receives (not direct sunlight), the more numerous and distinct the colors of the leaves will be, depending on the variety's colors. The plant requires humidity and can be regularly misted with water that has a low lime content (e.g., cold water from an electric kettle). Watering during the growing season should be done carefully, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. The soil should be moist, but not wet.
Dormancy Period
Caladium has a dormancy period from autumn to spring. During this time, the plant's leaves will wither, and the plant will not have leaves during dormancy. The leaves will return in the spring. The plant should be stored at temperatures between 15-18 degrees Celsius during this period and placed in a dark location. At lower temperatures, the tuber risks dying. In the spring, you can gradually begin to water the plant.
