# How to Mulch Caladiums
Caladiums produce large, colorful leaves in shady areas of the garden. The plants prefer warm, moist soils and don't tolerate full sunlight. Hot weather and overly warm soil causes caladium leaves to turn green, so they lose their desirable red, pink and white hues. A mulch prevents the soil from drying too quickly by preventing evaporation during warm weather. The mulch also insulates the soil so the temperature remains more constant even when the air temperature fluctuates.
Things You'll Need
- Mulch
Instructions
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1
Weed the area prior to planting the caladium tubers in spring. Continue to weed the bed by hand until the foliage emerges.
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2
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch over the entire caladium bed once the leaves are approximately 4 to 6 inches tall. Use an organic mulch, such as pine straw or wood chips.
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3
Move the mulch away from the base of the caladium so there is a 2-inch space between the mulch and plant. Avoid covering the crown of the caladium with mulch. Mulch placed over or against the caladium can result in rot problems from the moisture in the mulch materials.
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4
Replenish the mulch layer if it begins to break down during the summer. Add enough new mulch to maintain the 2- to 3-inch mulch layer.
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