Caladium Care Must-Knows
Caladiums grow best in warm, moist, organically-rich, acidic soil. For that reason, don t plant these heat-lovers too early in the growing season. Early planting in cool earth results in slow growth and tuber rot when the tubers sit for long periods of time in moist soil. A good rule of thumb is to plant caladium tubers in the soil around the time you plant okra seed in the garden or set out tomato transplants in cool regions. A soil temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit is preferred. Plant tubers so their puckered or knobby sides are up, placing them 2 inches below the soil surface and 10 to 12 inches apart. Water plants frequently, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated. Caladiums will rot in consistently soggy soil.