How To Care For Caladiums In Pots: 7 Easy Care Tips

How To Care For Caladiums In Pots is a little different from caring for many other container plants. Caladiums grow from tubers and naturally enter a dormant period, so their colorful foliage isn’t meant to last continuously on the same plant.

While they’re actively growing, caladiums like warm temperatures, filtered or bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and a well-draining growing medium. Their colorful heart-shaped leaves make them excellent container plants both indoors and outside during warm weather.

The key is understanding their growth cycle. When the foliage eventually begins dying back, your plant isn’t necessarily dying. Let the tubers rest, and you can start them growing again after their dormancy period.

Caladium Care in Pots at a Glance

Caladiums Are Different

Florida Cardinal Caladium Bulbs for Planting – Perennial Hosta, Elephant Ears, Fancy (10 Bulbs)

They are a bit different from most houseplants you may have grown.

• First of all, they are bulbs.
• They also need a rest period and will go dormant.
• They are only winter hardy in zone 9 and above.
• But they are often grown as annuals in colder zones

As we come to the end of summer, many people are taking their caladium plants out of the ground and potting them up. 

But even though bringing them indoors can extend their season they will still die back after 6 or 7 months.

This has nothing to do with seasons. These plants naturally go dormant for a resting period.

So if your plant looks like it’s dying it doesn’t mean you did something wrong.

How To Care For Caladiums In Pots

6 Crimson Sky Caladium Bulbs for Planting – Perennial Hosta, Elephant Ears, Fancy (6 Bulbs)

Even if you grow these plants indoors they will eventually go dormant but they will come back after about a 5-month resting period.

If you grow them outside you will want to grow them in pots so you can bring them indoors as the weather cools.

What Are Caladiums And Why Are They A Popular Summer Plant?

Caladiums are a type of tropical plant that is native to South and Central America.

They have been cultivated for centuries and were first brought to Europe in the late 1700s.

Caladiums became a popular houseplant in the Victorian era, and they remain popular to this day.

Caladiums are prized for their beautiful, brightly-colored leaves. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and green.

Caladiums are typically grown as annuals in temperate climates, as they cannot tolerate frost.

In colder regions, caladiums are often grown as houseplants or in pots so that they can be brought indoors during the winter.

They are also popular for indoor container gardening. Caladiums require warm temperatures and plenty of moisture to thrive.

Outdoors Caladiums should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil and fertilized regularly. With proper care, caladiums will provide color all summer long.

Growing Caladiums In Containers

Caladiums are a popular choice for container gardening because they are easy to care for and add a splash of color to any setting.

When potting caladiums, choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes in the bottom.

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, and plant the caladium bulbs so that the tops are just poking above the soil surface.

Water the plants thoroughly, and then place them in a location that receives filtered light.

Caladiums require moist soil, so water the plants on a weekly basis or as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Caladiums are tropical plants and they need warm temperatures of 65-80°. They don’t like cold drafts either.

With proper care, caladiums will thrive in containers and provide months of enjoyment.

How to prepare caladiums for potting

If you live in an area with a warm climate, you can grow caladiums in your garden.

However, if you live in a colder region, you can still enjoy these beautiful plants by potting them and keeping them indoors.

Here are some tips for preparing caladiums for potting:

First, select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the roots of your plant. Be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

Next, fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix. You can find potting mix at your local garden center or online. 

Before planting your caladium bulbs, soak them in water for several hours. This will help to ensure that the plant gets off to a good start.

Finally, plant your caladium in the pot and water it generously. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

The Best Type 0f Potting Soil For Caladiums

If you’re looking for the best potting soil for caladiums, you’ll want to find a mix that is high in organic matter and well draining.

Caladiums are native to tropical regions, so they prefer soil that is moist and well-drained.

A good potting mix will also contain plenty of peat moss or coco coir, which will help to hold moisture without making the mix too soggy.

In addition, you’ll want to add some perlite or vermiculite to the mix, which will help to aerate the soil and improve drainage.

How To Water And Fertilize Potted Caladiums

While they are relatively easy to care for, they do need to be watered and fertilized regularly in order to stay healthy.

Here are some tips on how to do so:

Watering: Caladiums prefer to grow in moist, but not soggy, soil. Water your plants regularly, but allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

If your potting mix feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. You can put them in a sink or bathtub and let the water run over the pot until it drains out the bottom.

Fertilizing: Feed your caladiums every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer.

Make sure to dilute it according to the instructions, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots.

Common Problems With Potted Caladiums And How To Solve Them

2 Caladium Plants Live, 4 to 6 Inc Tall, Caladium Flower Plants Garden

Potted caladiums are becoming increasingly popular as houseplants, but they can sometimes be a bit finicky.

Although potted caladiums are a popular addition to many homes and offices, they can occasionally experience problems.

Here are some common problems and tips on how to solve them:

Potted caladiums are generally trouble-free, but there are a few common problems that you may encounter.

One is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal disease. Leaf spot appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of your plant.

The best way to prevent leaf spots is to water early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.

If leaf spot does occur, remove any affected leaves and dispose of them in the trash.

Another common issue is that potted caladiums prefer high humidity and tend to dry out quickly.

This can be solved by placing the pot in a saucer of water and making sure to mist the leaves regularly.

Leaf drop is another common issue and occurs when the leaves turn yellow and fall off the plant.

This can be caused by several factors, including too much or too little water, low humidity, or a lack of nutrients.

Another problem that potted caladiums may experience is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and results in the roots turning mushy and brown.

You will want to trim off damaged roots and repot in fresh soil.

If your plant is suffering from root rot, it’s important to reduce watering and increase drainage.

Finally, caladiums may also experience pests, such as aphids, thrips, and mealybugs.

These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. 

Tips For Overwintering Potted Caladiums

If you’re like many gardeners, you look forward to the bright blooms of caladiums each summer.

But did you know that with a little care, you can enjoy these beautiful plants year-round?

Here are some tips for overwintering potted caladiums:

First, give your plants a good final watering before bringing them indoors for the winter.

This will help them to stay hydrated during the colder months. Next, place your pots in a location near a window with bright indirect light. 

If possible, rotate the pots every few days so that all sides of the plant get an equal amount of light.

Lastly, make sure to keep an eye on the soil moisture levels and water as needed. 

Even if you do everything right your plants will eventually start to die back.

Let them dry back and then place the pot in a warm dark area to rest for about 5 months.

You also can unpot them and store the bulbs in a breathable bag if you prefer.

Some people just throw them away at this point and just buy new bulbs.

How To Enjoy Caladiums Year Round Indoors

If you want continuous foliage you can start several pots of Caladium indoors a few months apart.

That way some will always be starting and some will be finishing up. Simply rotate your plants and you can enjoy Caladiums year round.

Where To Find Caladium Bulbs For Planting Next Year?

For those who love gardening, fall is the time to start thinking about next year’s crop.

One of the most popular flowers for adding color to the garden is the caladium.

These beautiful plants come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are relatively easy to care for.

Caladium bulbs are typically available for purchase in the fall, so now is the ideal time to start planning for next year’s garden.

They can be found at most nurseries and garden centers, as well as online. 

Buying Caladium Plants

You can save time and start enjoying your Caladiums sooner by buying them as live plants instead of bulbs.

When they do die back be sure to harvest the bulbs for future plantings.

They will need to rest for about 5 months before they are ready to grow again.

Buying Caladium Bulbs vs. Live Plants

Caladium Tropical Mix(12 Bulbs) Rich red Foliage with Contrasting Green Borders

Caladiums are typically sold as bulbs or potted foliage plants.

If you are buying bulbs, look for ones that are plump and firm.

Avoid any that are soft, mushy, or have any signs of rot.

Caladium bulbs can be stored for several weeks before planting, so you may want to purchase them in advance if you live in a colder climate.

I think buying Caladiums that are already potted up and growing is more certain and you can start enjoying them immediately.

However, buying Caladium bulbs is much cheaper and if you want an outdoor bed of them it will be much cheaper.

Caring For Caladiums In Pots FAQs

When is the best time to pot caladium bulbs?

Spring is a good time to start caladium bulbs once temperatures are consistently warm. Caladiums are tropical plants and grow best when temperatures are above 60°F. If you’re starting them indoors, you can get them growing before outdoor temperatures are warm enough.

How often should I water potted caladiums?

Keep the growing medium moist while your caladium is actively growing, but don’t leave it soggy. I like to check the growing medium rather than water on a strict schedule. If it feels dry a few inches below the surface, it’s time to water. Always use a pot with drainage holes so excess water can escape.

What is the best growing medium for caladiums in pots?

Caladiums like a rich growing medium that holds moisture but still drains well. Coco coir mixed with perlite works well. The coco coir retains moisture while the perlite improves drainage and aeration around the roots.

How much light do potted caladiums need?

Caladiums do well in filtered light or bright, indirect light. Too much harsh direct sunlight can burn the foliage, while too little light can result in weaker growth and less impressive leaf color.

How often should I fertilize caladiums in containers?

I recommend feeding actively growing caladiums about every two weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Don’t continue feeding once the foliage begins dying back and the plant enters its natural dormancy period.

Why is my caladium dying back?

Dieback doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Caladiums naturally go dormant after several months of active growth. When the foliage begins dying back, reduce watering and allow the tubers to rest. I give mine a resting period of about five months before starting them again.

How do I overwinter caladiums in pots?

You can bring potted caladiums indoors before cold weather arrives and continue growing them while the foliage remains healthy. Eventually, the foliage will naturally die back. At that point, let the pot dry back and place it in a warm, dark location for about five months. You can also remove the tubers and store them in a breathable bag.

Can I grow caladiums indoors year-round?

An individual caladium will still need its natural dormancy period, even when grown indoors. If you want colorful caladium foliage throughout the year, you can start several pots a few months apart. As one pot begins going dormant, another can be actively growing.

Why are my caladium leaves turning yellow or dropping?

Yellowing or dropping leaves can result from too much or too little water, low humidity, nutrient problems, or the beginning of natural dormancy. Check the growing medium and growing conditions first. If the plant has been growing for several months and the foliage is gradually declining, it may simply be preparing to rest.

Can caladiums grow outside in pots?

Yes. Caladiums grow well in outdoor containers during warm weather. Give them filtered light, keep the growing medium moist, and protect them from cold temperatures. Growing them in pots also makes it easy to bring them indoors when temperatures begin dropping.

How To Care For Caladiums In Pots: Final Thoughts

Caladiums are a little different from many of the other plants you might grow in containers, but that’s part of what makes them interesting. Their colorful foliage can brighten an indoor space, patio, or container garden throughout the growing season.

While they’re actively growing, concentrate on the basics. Give your caladiums warm temperatures, filtered or bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and a well-draining growing medium. I like coco coir and perlite because the combination holds moisture while still providing good drainage and aeration.

The most important thing to understand is dormancy. Even a healthy caladium will eventually begin losing its foliage. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done something wrong. These plants naturally need a resting period before beginning another growth cycle.

Once the foliage dies back, you can let the tubers rest for about five months and then start them again. You can leave them in their pots or remove the tubers and store them until you’re ready to replant.

If you really enjoy caladium foliage, try starting several pots a few months apart. Some plants can be actively growing while others are resting. By rotating them this way, you can enjoy colorful caladium foliage indoors throughout much more of the year.

You can start with inexpensive tubers or buy established plants if you want immediate color. Either way, once you understand their growing and dormancy cycle, caladiums are rewarding container plants that you can grow again year after year.

Happy gardening, and keep it green!

Caladiums – Wisconsin Horticulture