I'm glad you asked this....hope some caldium experts answer.

Mine are struggling and the first thing I discovered is they don't like fertilizer, almost killed them with very moderate miracle-gro application.
Also think they don't like a lot of water since they've been doing better after water was cut back. All are in open covered shade.

You do know they go deciduous for the winter, right? They come back in the spring. And they would like a bulb fertilizer. :o)

This is the time of year that they go 'night, night...'. You will see them again in the spring. At least, those that don't get eaten by some critter!

They like water, but not so much of it that they are soggy. Shade and indirect light is best.

they are along the side of the house, under the shade of an oak tree and I water regularly(3-4x week and not soaking,just a good spraying).

I know the ones that are in a container w/ trailing lantana are still going, though looking a bit wilted,but they are in alot more sun. They go dormant through May or June,then you see them come right back!

teeka

My Caladiums that are in the shade do hardly anything, The red and green ones in my main garden are in full midday sun and are the first ones up in the spring and the last to leave in the fall. I may move the others up there too.

I am not to good at fertilizing.

you're not doing anything wrong.

granted, around this time of year they start to decline and go dormant for the winter, but...

it's the freaking drought!

My caladiums are usually vigorous, bright and full-force all summer, in partial shade, sitting under the eaves, usually getting plenty of water. Since this has been the driest summer in Tampa Bay that I can remember, they have been dead or dying since July, when the rain stopped. Rain still ain't come back, and the caladiums are mostly gone. Hopefully they'll still be here next year...

OK...phew!...so it's normal for them to 'go nite-nite' this time of year...LOL
That's cool, but now I have empty spaces in my beds...arrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhh. :(

Hey MusicMan!
Dincha git rain yesterday afternoon and all thru the nite?
LOL!