Christmas Caladiums

Regular readers of this blog have likely presumed I have a fascination and slight obsession over caladiums. I plant several different varieties of caladium bulbs each spring and through out the summer.

Red Postman Joyner Caladium in back garden

This year I experimented with planting additional bulbs each month beginning in June and the last were planted the first week of November. They sprouted at about the same rate as those planted during the warmer months.

Red Postman Joyner Caladium in back garden

 I noticed they didn't grow quite as tall though. All those bright red foliage leaves have added a spotlight of color to the winter garden. Caladiums growing in the garden this late in the year is pretty exciting.

Red Postman Joyner Caladium planted two weeks prior (mid-October) to plants in previous photos.

It is evident that the plants which sprouted two weeks sooner (because they were planted two weeks sooner) are beginning to fall and droop. Caladiums do very well with high humidity and Florida's warm climate. A signal to retreat to their dormant state is triggered once the soil begins to cool (around 65 degrees).

I'm calling these vibrant red hearts in the December garden my Christmas Caladiums!



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Meems