Hey there, a very good friend of mine gave me some caladium bulbs which I just got planted last week. Was it too late? Will they still come up? How long does it take for them to germinate? My friend who gave me the bulbs said to plant them 2" down and to only lightly water them until they come out of the soil. I'm afraid with how hot it is today in Austin, that I'm not keeping them moist enough. Any assistance is appreciated.
Michelle
Caladium bulbs question
overwatering is more of a problem. Your friend told you right. My caladiums are just beginning to peek out of the ground. They need hot weather. You should see some caladium action soon.
Keep 'em out of the sun so they don't cook! Sure was hot today, but tomorrow ought to be gorgeous... great day to play outside!
Thanks vossner and dogmansis. I have them in a big pot that is on our front porch and I have it pushed back so that it does not get direct sun right now. So if I just lightly water them about every other day? I don't want them to rot, but will they spring to life if they are too dry?
Vossner, when did you plant them and how long did it take for them to begin to peekout?
It is a gorgeous day today. We have all the windows open and letting the nice cool air in this morning.
Michelle
ps. dogmansis, DH and I got married in Wimberley at Old Glory Ranch. It is so beautiful there.
They will actually start to come alive with no water. My bulbs that I haven't replanted yet are starting to bud out. I do not replant mine until the bulbs do this, then I know it is warm enough for them. Every other day is providing them too much water. Like you said, you don't want the bulbs to rot. Every 5 to 7 days would probably be your best schedule.
As usual Hazel..you give me great advice. I will stop watering the poor little things. I had some iris bulbs rot and boy is that gross! :) I'll take a picture and post when they pop out. I love caladiums! So at the end of the season, should I just leave them in the pot after the plant died and then let them sit until they decide to spring to life the following spring? Or do I dig them up and put them in a dark cool place (in a brown paper bag?) until it is time to plant them?
It was nice to hear from you. I hope all is well with you and your DH.
Michelle