Are Caladiums Salt Tolerant?

Tubers

• Caladiums are grown from tubers. It's best to start caladium tubers indoors about four weeks before the ground outside is ready for them. The North Carolina State University Extension recommends that the soil is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit before caladium tubers go in the ground. Cool soils will lead to tuber rot. Each tuber has a central "eye" that you must cut out to allow the other eyes that encircle the tuber to develop; do this with a clean, sharp knife.

Light Requirements

• Caladiums perform best in shade provided by high-branching trees. All that dappled sunlight won't burn their brightly colored foliage. Some cultivars have been bred to withstand a few hours of full sun each day, but the pink-colored foliage is still at risk of burnt foliage, even if it's a cultivar.

Water Requirements

• Caladiums love moist soil. Because they're rather compact, low-growing plants, watering them at the base might become a challenge once the foliage develops. It's best to install a soaker hose or drip irrigation system before you plant the tubers so the foliage can develop around it and hide the watering system. That way you won't struggle to provide adequate water while attempting to reach each plant's roots. Insufficient watering will cause the plants to go dormant, and when caladiums enter dormancy they drop their leaves.

Soil Requirements

• Well draining soil is an absolute must for these plants. The pH should be slightly acidic, falling between 6.0 and 6.5. Incorporate 2 to 3 inches of pine bark or compost at the planting site to facilitate better drainage, then cover the area with 2 to 3 inches of mulch to keep the soil cool, as temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit tend to affect foliage development.