Caladium Bulb FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Caladium Bulb Planting

How long do bulbs last?
Bulbs can last about 3 years depending on whether they are planted in sun or shade as well as how rainy and cold the winter weather. During rainy, cold winters, bulbs planted in shade tend to rot. Moreover, new bulbs last longer from May into October, sometimes November. Old bulbs in a hot, humid summer can thin out by August 15 and be gone by September 1. The same is true of bulbs you dig up and store over winter. It’s a lot of work, you lose about 1/3 anyway, and they don’t last as long as new bulbs.

The tall red and predominately white bulbs were 1 year old bulbs stored over winter
and planted the end of May, 2014. They are full and beautiful by the last week of June.

The same view taken on 8-27-14 shows how the tall red and predominately white
are almost totally gone, while new bulbs still thrive.

New Red bulbs planted end of May 2014 on the opposite side of the fence in similar
growing conditions are still full and beautiful on Sept. 27-14, a month later than previous picture.

There are two ways to reduce purchased bulbs. Wait to plant new bulbs in May after old bulbs appear or retain some new bulbs and plant in August where the bulbs have thinned out.

The red straps on the left are newly planted bulbs while the ones to the right that are starting to wane were 1" containers planted the first of April 2014. By August 15 the container bulbs are starting to thin.

 

By August 27, the supplemented container red straps that were planted 3 weeks ago are thick and pretty as the newly planted bulbs in May Miss Muffet straps on the right.

How many should I plant?
Tall caladiums (red, pink, white) which are 20” to 28” high, plant bulbs 4 inches apart.

Short or “border” “strap” caladium bulbs, which are 9” to 11” high, plant 2 inches apart.

For 10 bulbs planted in “triangles” (2” inches apart, staggered with the foliage surface itself) you cover about 2 feet by 1 foot in depth using the following planting for a border or adapt for another shape), The following shows 6 bulbs to get the picture. They can have more than the two depths depicted.

Each bulb = X

                X                             X                            
2”                            2”                     2"      (between bulb rows)        
X             4”            X             4”            X          

Planted 2” between the top and bottom bulbs makes 4” between the bottom bulbs. Consequently, you get a very full look that, when you factor the size of the foliage, covers 4 times the surface as a florist sized 2 quart container that costs about $7 or $8. Pre-ordered, your 10 bulbs would cost $7. Lots of lasting and very affordable summer color! One inch containers of a single bulb cost about $2.50 each.

This size doubles with the taller bulbs that are planted 4” apart. Five or 10 larger bulbs can make quite a “showy” area. Laying the bulbs out on your surface is the “easy” way to fill an area. Be sure to allow 4 to 8 inches of space from existing plantings depending on size of foliage. Fall is the best time to look at where the “holes” are in your garden that could use some color for interest.

How deep are bulbs planted?
In Fort Bend and SW Houston, especially our tight, clay soils, enough to cover the surface of the bulb is generally sufficient. Too deep and the bulbs will “sit” in water. In raised beds, you may plant a little deeper, but why bother? Remember, you’ll likely finish off with some kind of mulch with makes more depth. Plant flat side down. The eye is not a root, but the foliage. Roots are “hairy.” 

How do I get a full look?
The trend is clusters planted with contrasting color clusters planted almost like a flower garden. However, a large area of one color of bulb can also make quite a statement! What do you like? What color palette do you prefer? De-eyeing discussed below also works.

White is showy at night and "cool feeling." The more blue green "white caladium" is Aron
which was an experiment I plan to repeat. It looks great with Miss Muffet as well.

 

Whatever you choose, caladiums allow you to enjoy color throughout our hot summers.
They last through dry times or rainy summers with very little care! They do require more irrigation if in too much sun.

 

Should I de-eye bulbs?
Yes, but if the eye is too large, the size of the small cut may allow water to gather in the bulb and rot it. We have experienced this kind of loss with bulbs dug up over winter that tend to develop large eyes during storage. Another reason not to bother digging them up. For more info on de-eyeing and planting

How do I keep squirrels from digging up the bulbs?
Pack a layer of mulch over the bulbs so it does not look like a freshly planted area that invites the squirrels to dig. To ensure water penetrates the mulch, poke holes in the mulch but retain the packed earth look. You can try feeding the squirrels something they like to divert them. Problem is that brings more squirrels. One squirrel dug up a bulb so I just replanted it. You may want to watch you newly planted beds for a few days. The warmer the weather, the faster bulbs start to grow and take hold.

If you're interested in buying caladiums, you can save if you pre-order by October 31. No deposit, pay when delivered in March.   

AS of 2015, please visit QuailValleyGardenClub.org --the new website for updated information orders and pricing.

2015-16 Chair is Barbara Thompson (281 835-9888)

Press here if you want more specifics about each variety offered.