Caladium

11 years ago

I picked up some caladium bulbs today -- am wondering if I should soak them for a short while before potting up. I normally don't do this with elephant ear bulbs, I just plant them in potting mix, but not sure about the caldiums. Also, with caladiums should I leave a bit of the bulb exposed like with EE? (I never completely cover the EE bulb so as to prevent rot before the bulb roots and sprouts). Thanks!

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
i would dampen the media .. and be done with it ...

its not like you will be putting these outdoors for another 2 months here in MI .. crikey girl ... it was 19 last night out here in adrian ...

i might not even plant them for another month ... putting them on a cold window sill .. trying to keep them dormant for another month or so ...

ken
porkchop_z5b_MI
Original Author
11 years ago
No, I'm definitely going to start them indoors, just like I do elephant ears - they take a while to root and sprout. It is the right time to do this type of activity.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
You're smart to start them inside.....they can take a long time to sprout.

No soaking prior to planting in a high quality potting medium. The potting mix should be porous and fast to drain.

I suggest that you put 3/4 of your mix in the container of your choice and water thoroughly. Place the tubers right side up (flat side down) on the soil, then cover with the remaining medium, and water again. Don't leave any part of the tubers exposed.

Place in a warm location and be patient. Terra cotta pots will help prevent your caladium from rotting, as you must not allow the pots to dry completely.

I'd encourage that you go ahead and get them started anytime. They seem to take forever, don't they?
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
It is the right time to do this type of activity.

==>>> you could have an extremely large plant.. in 2 months... if you cant put them out until 6/1 ... but then.. though we are 60 miles apart... you are.. in the city ... in a zone +1 micro climate ....

and i also know you are experienced enough to have your own time table worked out ... and will get them into the garage ... hardened off.. and out into the yard ...

i guess.. on some level ... i am just thinking about other peeps.. getting the fever too early ... and starting too soon ...

just giving the project another week or two ... will barley delay bloom ... when all is said an done ...

as i say with late summer purchases ... especially trees and conifers ... ... just because you buy it.. doenst mean its time to plant it ... there is a proper time.. to plant...

and point of purchase.. this time of year.. might not be the time...

ken