Caladium question...

These two pots of caladiums were planted on the same day, pots & potting soil, etc, identical, and sat right by each other.

1) the caladium on the left was ordered from a nursery in Louisiana and the cost was $32.00, almost $33, for eight of the smallest bulbs I've ever seen in my life and, frankly, I'm amazed that they are as large as they are.

2) the white caladiums on the right were purchased as dwarfs and their name ends with Jr, I've forgotten the first part of the name. There are two bulbs in the pot, and to think, I almost planted three. Is it common for dwarf caladiums to grow this large, or do you think they might have sent the wrong bulbs? The price of these bulbs was something like $18.00 for 25 and the bulbs were huge.

My question is this: Should I contact the nursery that sold me the tiny, pricey bulbs, and tell them how disappointed I am with the bulbs??? Obviously, there is a big difference in the price and quality and I would like to know what other gardners think. TIA!!! SherryLike

Hmmm, you can try complining to them now, however complaining at the time the bulbs were recived might have gotten you better results.

Of course that is an excellent point, rikerbear, and thanks for your post! I seriously considered it, but I got to thinking, and gave them the beneift of the doubt, hoping that those tiny bulbs might be some thing new, that would actually grow into what they advertised. Obviously it didn't work out that way...

The variety you were supposed to get is Candidum Jr. It looks a lot like the regular Candidum, but should be smaller.

Thank you, bleek!!!! The top leaves are huge, some of those umder the bottom are smaller. The top leaves are oh so interesting, sorta puckered and transparent, with a push up between the green veins...I'm thinking I'm a lucky girl, maybe it's the Arky soil, this was a pasture and a barn, cows, horses, etc...

Sherry,

The ones on the left look like one of the Thai varieties, most likely "Thai Beauty" or Houglong.

The size and price is very typical of the Thai Varieties. The ones we carry range from pencil eraser sized, up to the size of a small number 2 by US standards, depending on the variety. The #2 is what you'd typically find pre-bagged at chains, or about half dollar sized.

When we 1st carried them 2 years ago, I was shocked at the size. Especially since I live about 10 miles from The Caladium Capital of the world, where I could get one 5 times as big for half the price. They've been a hit though, and we sell out each year.

We let people know what to expect though, and that's probably what should have been done on these.

The bulb for the one pictured below is smaller than a dime.

Thank you, BuriedTreasures!! My bulbs are Thai. You addressed each of my concerns; however, there are 4, less than dime sized bulbs, in two pots and, unless there is a miracle, I don't believe the bulbs are going to do much. And, yes, of course you are correct, the nursery should have advised customers of the bulb size in their ads. I sincerely appreciate your post!!!!!

sherry, beautiful caladiums! i searced for "candidum jr" because i just planted some tubers the other day. $8.97 for 18 tubers at the local costco.