(Caladium 'Candidum' (white))
Caladium 'Candidum' (White) Feeding Instructions
For best growth, plant caladiums in porous soil that contains plenty of organic mater, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Peat moss or other organic materials such as compost can be used to increase the soil's organic matter content. Planting in cool soil results in slow growth or tuber rot. At planting time, incorporate a well-balanced plant food (not too much nitrogen) into the soil of bed area at rates recommended on package. Follow this with a fertilization each month during the growing season. Caladiums don't like too much nitrogen (forst number in fertilizer), but appreciate a little more potassium and phosphorus (last two numbers in fertilizer). Make proportional reductions in amounts of fertilizer for smaller areas. Broadcast fertilizer under the foliage. Do not allow fertilizer to contact the caladium leaves. Water thoroughly after fertilization to prevent fertilizer burn. Mulch caladium plants when they are established to keep the soil moist and cool. Soil temperatures over 85 degrees F can result in leaves with more green color and less of the highly prized brilliant colors. High levels of nitrogen fertilization can produce the same effect.
Caladium 'Candidum' (White) Pruning Instructions
Most Caladium plants will produce flowers during the growing season. The presence of the greenish-white flowers slows production of the colorful leaves, and flowers should be removed as soon as detected. No other pruning is necessary. Caladiums can be treated as annual plants and left in the garden at the end of the season to be killed by cold. However, it is possible to save caladium tubers for planting again the following year. At the end of the growing season, but before the leaves have lost all color and before soil temperatures drop below 55 degrees F, dig the tubers that are to be saved, retaining the foliage, and sort them by color or variety. Spread them out in an area protected from rain and cold, and allow them to dry for a week. Then, cut or pull the dry foliage from the tubers and remove all dry soil. Place the tubers in a mesh sack or panty hose and store them where the temperature does not fall below 60 degrees F. Plant the tubers next spring when the soil temperatures rise above 70 degrees F. Each caladium tuber has a large central bud surrounded by several small buds. Most caladium varieties produce only a few colorful leaves if the large central bud is allowed to grow. Its presence prevents the small buds from growing and producing leaves. The small buds are encouraged to grow when the large central bud is removed before planting the tuber. Commercial caladium plant producers do this, and so can you. Use the tip of a sharp knife to lift out the large central bud, being careful not to injure any of the surrounding small buds. De-eyeing also has the beneficial effect of reducing flower production. Caladium bulbs purchased from a nursery and garden center, through mail order or on the internet, will have already had the central buds removed.
Caladium 'Candidum' (White) Pest Instructions
When planted at the right time, in the right soil mix, in the right exposure to light, and are provided adequate moisture, Caladiums do not have any serious problems with pest's or disease. Caladiums require a warm, moist soil to grow. A minimum soil temperature of 70 degrees F is preferred. Planting caladiums in cool soil results in slow growth or tuber rot. For best growth, plant caladiums in porous soil that contains plenty of organic mater, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Peat moss or other organic materials such as compost can be used to increase the soil's organic matter content.