Caladium bulbs with dusty mold

I ordered 100 White Christmas and 50 of another (my mind just left me again) from Caladium World. The ratings were good, I ordered very early and yet when they arrived they were all covered in dusty moldy stuff. There didn't appear to be any soft or mushy bulbs but I can't help but wonder if I did the right thing by planting them. I haven't had time to email or call Caladium World or much less get on DG. But, I need your professional caladium opinion. I haven't had lots of experience with caladium but the bulbs I've had before were certainly not like these.

Thanks
Kathy

Hi Kathy....I had a large order arrive last year from a different company that were like that. I went ahead and planted them anyway, and most of them did very well.
I wouldn't be concerned at this point, as long as you eventually see growth. If you do not, contact the company. Caladium World is a fairly reputable dealer and usually has quality bulbs. Another extremely good vendor for caladiums is Caladiums_for_Less on Ebay...Bill is a very credible caladium seller, and has wonderful prices. His bulbs are very healthy!

Hi shihtzumom and MerryMary-
I wanted to chime in and also attest to the quality of the bulbs from Bill. Originally, I had reservations about planting bulbs because my mother had such bad experiences in the past. However, this year I wanted to give it a try because of my budget. I started out ordering a dozen White Queen bulbs from Bill and planted them in the ground. Every single one of them has come up now...not all have leaves yet, but at least the tuber is out of the ground. Anyways, I liked them so much and am so pleased that I have since placed two more orders. I received last week Miss Muffett, Pink Cloud, Aaron, and Florida Cardinal and just got off the phone ordering Gray Ghost, Gingerland and Florida Sweetheart. I can't wait and have total faith that they will be fabulous!

I realize that you have some already but if in the future you are looking for another vendor, think about ordering from him. I think you will be very pleased.

Kathy,

Was it mold on the bulbs or was it just where the bulbs have calloused over? You can d-mail me or email me at: CaladiumBulbs4Less@earthlink.net with any questions about Caladiums.

Bill

The bulbs were all white/grayish green. It wasn't normal by any means - from others that I've seen or purchased. There were a few soft bulbs but that wasn't a major issue in a bucket of 100 bulbs. But the look of the bulbs were not pleasing. They are planted - we'll see.

Kathy

loking for " florida beauty " caladiums and cultivars
to send to Hungary
Thanks
Dany

If the bulbs feel "full" and heavy I wouldn't worry too much. I've planted mouldy looking bulbs and they seem to sort themselves out once they are in the ground. Of course you don't want them passing on any diseases to any other bulbs or tubers nearby so maybe keep them in a patch on there own. Moudly looking bulbs are only usually a problem when they are dry. Also it's best to throw any soft ones away as these will impact on the others.
That's my experience for what it's worth.
:-)) Rosie

This is a very old thread 2006

Oh OK LOL - never could do maths