Detailed Guide to Caladium Cultivation Methods and Growing Points

Caladium, also known as five-colored taro, colored-leaf taro, two-colored taro, etc., is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Caladium in the Araceae family. Its leaves are beautifully colored and there are very many varieties, making it suitable for greenhouse cultivation and ornamental viewing. Summer is the main ornamental period for caladium, when the variegated colors of the leaves are full of coolness. Let's take a look together at the cultivation methods for caladium!

Caladium's Growing Environment

Caladium is native to the Amazon River basin in South America. It likes high temperatures, high humidity and a semi-shaded environment, and is not tolerant of low temperatures, frost or snow. It requires loose, fertile soil with good drainage. The suitable temperature is 20-30°C; the suitable temperature during the growing period from June to October is 21-27°C, and the suitable temperature during the dormant period from October to June of the following year is 18-24°C. At night it should not be lower than 10°C, and during the dormant period 10°C should be maintained. It does not like strong light, with a shade level of 30-40%.

Caladium Propagation Methods

Caladium can be propagated by division or by separating the tubers. Division can be done throughout the year, but it is best to separate the tubers after the winter dormancy and before the leaves sprout in spring. Cut off the small tubers growing around the mother tuber with a blade, dry them in the shade for 1 day, and then plant them. The mother tuber can also be cut into pieces, each piece bearing an eye, dried in the shade for 1 day, and then planted. The cut surface should be smooth, which helps the wound heal and roots and seedlings form.

Caladium Cultivation Methods

1. Soil: Caladium likes clayey soil, mostly prepared by mixing five parts clayey field soil, two parts leaf mold and three parts sand.

2. Light: Caladium likes sunlight, but it should not be too intense. If the light is insufficient, the leaf variegation becomes darker, and the leaves become leggy and appear weak.

3. Watering: Caladium likes moisture and needs large amounts of watering in spring and summer.

4. Temperature: Caladium is not tolerant of cold. The suitable growing temperature is 25-30°C, and it must not go below 15°C. At an air temperature of 22°C the tubers sprout and grow leaves, and when it drops to 12°C the leaves turn yellow and wither.

5. Fertilizing: During the growing period, fertilize caladium once a week, applying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in combination, with nitrogen fertilizer as the main component.