Tips & Tricks

Leaf Coloring

• If we plant caladiums in darker area, green color tends to be dominating.
• If we plant caladiums in highly acidic soil, leaf color tends to be darker.
• Some cultivar will change it's color according to it's age. Begins with green color domination in younger plants, then the green color disappearing according to it's age, emerging the true color of the caladiums.

Tuber size vs. leaf size

The size of the leaf is determined by the size of the eye, not the tuber size. But bigger tuber indeed have the bigger probabilities in having a bigger eye. To get smaller leaf from the big tuber with a big eye, you can do de-eying process to eliminate the big/dominant eye, so smaller eyes will grow instead.

Caladium as cut flower

Caladium leafs may be used as fresh cut flowers (or cut leaves maybe more appropriate?). Cut the stem near the bottom then immediately dip the stem into water. In first 24 hours they will enter a wilt stage, but don’t worry they will perk up then. The beauty should last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Watch out of itch!!

Our hands may be very itchy when we doing something with Caladiums. When we wash our hands, the itch become more and more. Crystals of oxalic acid are responsible for the itch. They are parts of the caladium’s sap. Use some protection for your hands to avoid the itch. You can wear latex or plastic gloves or so. If you don’t use them just be ready for the itch.

Mini greenhouse to guarantee high humidity

The idea came from Thailand farmers. With this method we can assure high humidity environment for our caladiums (90% to 100%). With this high humidity chamber we can get quicker growth and better leaf coloring. Its very easy to make this chamber (mini greenhouse), we only need water container below (usually plastic or concrete) and the structure covered with transparent plastic. The size of the structure can be made as you like. The Thai usually made it in the size of 1m (3ft) wide x 2m long(6ft). It also can be made for individual plant. Make the structure as low as it can to assure the high humidity, 0.5 m (2ft) maybe?. You can make the opening from the top of the structure.

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