If you have dull and empty shady corners in your garden, white caladiums are the best and easiest way to bring them to life. These tropical plants grow big, heart-shaped leaves. The bright white centers of the leaves are mixed with green edges. When planted in masses, the leaves look like a patch of glowing color. The best part is that you do not need gardening skills or full sun to grow them. White caladiums love shade, warm soil, and steady moisture. They reward you with a lush, tropical look for your garden.
Here, we will discuss essential tips for planting and growing white caladiums in your garden.
1. Choose the Right White Caladium Bulbs
Pick the healthy white caladium bulbs to add a lush, vibrant touch to your garden. Purchase from a reliable supplier. When squeezing, the bulb should feel firm and heavy. Soft or mushy bulbs are old or dried out. They often rot after planting. Caladium bulbs are graded by their size. Jumbo-sized bulbs produce more stems and leaves. Additionally, white caladiums come in a variety. Some caladiums, like Aaron and Moonlight, have white-colored leaves with green edges. Other types of white caladiums have white leaves with pink veins. You can choose the right bulb type for your garden design.
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
When deciding where to plant white caladium bulbs, remember caladiums love shade and warmth. Think about the areas where natural light reaches without direct sun hitting the leaves. You can consider spots under tall trees, the side of your house, or along a shady fence. If you choose a sun-tolerant caladium variety, you can plant it anywhere in your garden. Typically, caladiums grown in the sun develop more vivid colors. And plants in the shade grow taller with bigger leaves. Also consider the soil. It should be rich and well-drained.
3. Wait for the Right Time
Caladiums are tropical tubers. They must be warm to flourish. Spring is the best time to plant caladiums. Check the recommended planting date for your area. Wait a few weeks after the last frost to plant caladiums in the ground. The soil needs to reach a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit for caladiums to sprout. In northern regions, that might mean waiting until May or June. You can start your bulbs indoors in a container of light potting mix. Then you can move them outside once the soil temperature has stabilized.
4. Plant Bulbs Carefully
Do not plant your caladium bulbs too deep. You want just 1 ½ to 2 inches of soil covering them. Plant your bulb with the eyes up. You will get a happier plant and faster sprouting time. Jumbo bulbs produce bigger plants with more stems and leaves. So, space them at least 12 inches apart. Plant smaller bulbs at least 6 to 8 inches apart. After planting your bulbs, give them a slow, deep watering. Top the soil with a layer of mulch. It will preserve moisture and help control weeds. Fertilize every six weeks with a slow-release type fertilizer.
