If you’re looking for a plant that brings color and interest to the landscape, consider adding some caladiums to your yard.
Caladiums produce vibrant colors and stunning patterns on their leaves, which attract attention.
They are tropical foliage plants that thrive in shady nooks and crannies making them easy to grow in Florida’s hot, humid weather.
(Courtesy of University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)
Caladiums look great as landscape plants, but also stand out in pots and containers.
Perhaps best of all: Caladiums offer beautiful color displays from summer to fall and again in the spring.
There are dozens of cultivars to choose from. Some have large, heart-shaped leaves, while others have long, narrow leaves reminiscent of an arrow.
The color kaleidoscope ranges from shades of green to red, purple, pinks, white, and variegated mixes of multiple colors.
Leaves average from 6 inches to 12 inches in height, and they grow fast, reaching mature size in just one season.
Selecting a color may be the most difficult thing about growing caladiums — since planting is simple and maintenance is minimal.
Caladiums grow from underground tubers, and you can purchase them already having stems or without.
The tubers are “knobby” with “eyes” much like a potato.
When planting, place that knobby side up, with at least 2 inches between each tuber. Plant them no more than 2 inches deep.
Plant the tubers when the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as tubers will not do well in cooler soils.
Caladiums like a lot of moisture; they do not like saturated or dry soil.
Remember, these are tropical plants, so they’ll need to be watered frequently to keep them moist.
Mulching around the plant helps lock in moisture and makes the area more appealing as well, but it’s not required.
When they die back in the winter, simply cut away the stems and wait for their return in spring.
Some caladiums have been bred to tolerate direct sun, but morning sun is best with shade for the rest of the day. This makes them a perfect addition under the beautiful oaks where sunlight is limited.
Growing caladiums in shade helps the leaves to be more vibrant in color when compared to full sun, too.
Fertilize caladiums with a soluble fertilizer, based on label directions, but be sure you fertilize the soil and avoid the leaves, as the fertilizer can burn the delicate leaves.
Shade gardening with caladiums is a simple and fun way to add color with a dramatic impact to your landscape.
Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.
Published April 18, 2018
