Someone in the building my office is located threw this plant away. I heard from the cleaning lady that the woman was trying to kill it and just about gave up trying. It looks all long and weird, but the leaves still have great color and are so pretty. I'd like to save it. I hate that it's all long and weird. Would I be able to cut it short somehow and replant it?
Thanks,
Nydia
What you have there is a species of Caladium. I cannot tell any further than that, because I am not super involved with them in my gardens. The lengthy growth suggests it needs more light than what it is receiving. You might even have a variety that can take(and need) 6+ hours of sunlight. For now, I would move it into a brighter spot and see what happens.
Best of luck!
-Bloomfly
I have seen that one in bright shade, like under a tree that is tall enough that plenty of good light gets under it, and perhaps a little direct sun early or late (not in the heat of the day). Or, in a very mild place like San Francisco, they will do fine with a fair amount of morning sun.
They need good draining soil, but should not go too dry. There needs to be a balance between air and water in the soil.
Your caladium is a shade loving humid hot weather plant grown by tubers.
The great advantage of pot-grown caladiums is that you can move them about as needed to keep them warm. When nights become chilly in fall, bring them indoors and keep in a sunny window, until the leaves begin to wither. At that point, let them dry out completely. To save space, you can collect the tubers, shake off the soil, and stash them in old hosiery or a mesh bag for up to five months. As long as the tubers are stored above 60d F, they will be ready to replant the following spring.
Right on all info!! luciee
