Item Tag: chiconabudget

Color: GreenDescription: Random chartreuse with small red dot at stemSun Tolerance: Full Sun or ShadeHeight: Very Tall 23″Sizes: The size of a caladium bulb is determined by the diameter of the caladium bulb. A vigorous healthy caladium bulb should have a rounded full base which provides the nutrients for growth of the caladium plant with very little fertilization required.Light and Forcing: Moderate light levels are fine for all varieties- 2500-4500 foot candles. Light is not necessary during the forcing time for caladiums which is generally 3-4 weeks. Stacking pots, covering them with plastic, and forcing them on racks will all work. After the caladiums start to show spikes of 1”-2” then you can spread them on benches. Please note that many caladium varieties are tolerant of full sun conditions. This makes them more adaptable for landscape or mixed container plantings.Temperatures: Providing adequate heat is the most important factor in timely forcing of caladiums. They force best if temperatures, including night time temperatures, can stay above 70 F. Damage to caladium plants will not occur in the 60’s but you will increase forcing time and lose valuable bench space.Fertilization: Caladiums are low feeders. Do not, we repeat, do not put them on a constant liquid feed program. It will cause toxicity issues that are most noticeable in white varieties. Interveinal browning will occur on the leaves and eventual death of the tissue causing a “windowing effect”. One application of 200 ppm at spike time and again 3 weeks later is sufficient.Water: Keep caladium plants evenly moist- do not let them dry down. Watch your water temperatures. If the water temperatures are in the 50’s or lower, the caladium plants will sit there for weeks with no active growth. Also, high pH water can cause symptoms similar to fertilizer damage.Additional Hints: De-eyeing will increase your forcing time by a week. It can be done any time before potting, preferably 1-2 weeks before to give the tubers time to heal. Varieties with numerous visible eyes do not have strong apical dominance and de-eyeing is unnecessary. De-eyeing will eliminate the large showy leaves and is not recommended in 8” pots or larger. Track Page Views WithAuctiva’s Counter