One plant giving lots of color is the caladium and it’s not for the flowers. I am sure we all know the foliage is the most spectacular part of the caladium plant that has history deeply rooted in Central Florida.

History says a Dr. Mead in Oviedo and Dr. Nehrling of Gotha, Florida each played a big roll in starting the caladium industry that produces up to 98% of the world’s supply of caladium bulbs. Actually this is not a true bulb but a tuber which is a compressed stem. We call them bulbs because they are bulb-like in growth. The caladium industry is centered in the Lake Placid and Sebring areas and Lake Placid is the proclaimed caladium Capital of the World.

Caladiums are so popular because they are so easy to grow. I feel they like a filtered sun spot the best but they can grow in shade or full sun. Some seem to burn more in full sun especially if they do not receive adequate moisture.

I like to grow mine in containers so I can move them about as needed. These tubers often stay in the same container for several years before being separated. I start with a good potting soil and then add the bulbs.

Now here is a trick to get more foliage. Remove the central bud on the bulb. Remember what we call bulbs are actually stems and if you remove the tip bud you get more shoots or leaves. After removing the central bud let the bulb set and hour or so to dry the wound and then you can plant.

Then they are kept moist and fertilized monthly. Some potting mixtures contain fertilizer so you may not need to feed these plantings for several months. Then I like to use a slow release fertilizer like Osmocote or the Miracle-Gro Shake’n Feed. Just follow the instructions.

Here is something interesting. The earlier the bulbs start to grow or the earlier you plant them the sooner they decline in late summer or early fall. You can sometimes get them to grow later in the season by delaying or staggering the plantings. All do decline during the fall months and rest until early spring when the weather warms.

Caladiums are available as bulbs and plants now at garden centers. Just are just some of the fun plants to grow. My caladiums started growth early this spring due to the warmer winter weather