Caladium

Caladium is one of my favorite plants. Perhaps it is known as a flower but to me it is the perfect plant. Caladium are native to Brazil and Florida. Caladium plants are all poisonous. 

    
Caladium are grown from roots which are sometimes referred to as bulbs. These roots are dug up each year, cleaned and separated. They should be stored in dry soil or moss in a dry dark location until they are ready to be used next spring. The larger the root or bulb the bigger the plant will be. 

         

 

Caladium roots should be started indoors about 6 weeks before last frost. Each bulb should have its own 4 to 6 inch peach pot. Plant root should be round side up buried in 1 1/2 inch to 2 inches of soil and it is best to have a few buds on them when they start. Water well the first time to make a moist soil then allow the plant soil to warm. Caladiums do not like cold weather and should be transplanted outside well after the last frost and the soil has warmed. They can also be grown inside. If they are grown outside they should be planted in a location that is shady or does not get direct sunlight. Plant in a spot with well drainage with good manure.