When Do Caladiums Come Up? A Complete Guide

Caladiums are tropical plants known for their large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a stunning array of colors and patterns These popular foliage plants can instantly brighten up any shady garden bed or patio container If you’re wondering when you can expect to see those vibrant caladium leaves emerge, read on!

What are Caladiums?

Calla lilies, peace lilies, and philodendrons are all popular plants that are in the same family as caladiums. There are more than 1000 named caladium cultivars. Their leaves are different shades of white, pink, red, and green, with veins that stand out. Some varieties have ruffled or strap-like leaves. Most caladiums grow 1-3 feet tall and wide.

These plants are from South America and do best in warm, damp places. They are often grown outside as annuals in zones 8–10 in the United States. In the north, they make great container plants that can be kept inside all winter.

Caladium tubers sprout in spring and flourish through summer into fall. Their foliage then dies back in winter when the plant goes dormant. Here’s a closer look at when you can expect those colorful leaves to emerge.

When Do Caladiums Come Up?

Caladium tubers remain dormant through the winter and need warm soil temperatures to break dormancy and begin sprouting Here’s when you can expect them to emerge

• When planted outside, caladiums usually bloom 4 to 6 weeks after being planted, in late spring or early summer. They require soil temperatures of 65-70°F to sprout. Don’t plant them in the ground until there is no longer any risk of frost.

• Indoors: If starting the tubers indoors, you’ll see sprouts in 6-8 weeks. Start them 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost. They need warm temperatures around 70°F to wake up from dormancy.

• Caladiums may come up as early as March or April in zones 9–11 where the soil warms up faster. In cooler zones, emergence is usually late May through June.

The exact timing depends on your climate, the variety, and whether you give them a head start indoors. Larger tubers and early-sprouting cultivars emerge quicker.

Signs Caladiums Are Emerging

Here are signs to look for to know if your planted caladium tubers are beginning to wake up:

• Swelling tubers: As growth starts under the soil, you may notice tubers getting slightly bigger. This means the roots and shoots are starting to develop.

• Soil disturbance: Once shoots begin pushing through soil, you may see some cracking and shifting of soil above the tubers. This is the first sign they are emerging.

• Shoot tips: Initially, you’ll see pointy shoot tips poking out of the ground. They may look like small green spikes at first.

• Leaf unfurling: As shoots grow taller, you’ll see leaves slowly uncurling and revealing their color. This exciting moment is when you get the first glimpse of the season’s beautiful foliage.

• Steady growth: Once shoots emerge, the plant begins growing quickly as long as temperatures are warm enough. You’ll see new leaves rapidly unfurling if conditions are ideal.

Caring for Emerging Caladiums

Once you see those first few shoots, it’s time to provide care to help your caladiums thrive:

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Caladiums like humidity, so mist leaves if your climate is dry.

• Warmth: Ensure daytime temperatures are at least 70°F and nighttime temps stay above 60°F. They flourish in heat.

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light or morning sun. But shade from hot afternoon sun.

• Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to support growth. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.

• Pests: Watch for aphids, thrips, or spider mites which may attack young growth. Treat any infestations promptly.

With proper care, your emerging caladiums will quickly grow into gorgeous, lush plants ready to beautify your containers or garden beds this season. Expect colorful magic as those dazzling leaves unfold!

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant caladium bulbs?

Plant caladium bulbs in spring once the soil has warmed up to 65-70°F. Outdoors, this is usually late spring or early summer after the last frost. Indoors, start them 8-10 weeks before your area’s expected last spring frost.

How deep do I plant caladium bulbs?

Plant caladium tubers 2-3 inches deep in the soil, with the side that has visible buds facing up. This provides enough soil coverage without delaying their emergence.

How far apart should I space caladium bulbs?

Space caladium bulbs 8-12 inches apart when planting. You can plant them closer together for a fuller, dense look. Just make sure there is adequate airflow around the plants.

Should I start caladiums indoors or outdoors?

You can plant caladium tubers directly outdoors once the soil is warm enough. For an earlier start, begin them indoors 6-8 weeks prior to move them outside after the danger of frost.

How can I speed up caladium emergence?

You can speed up emergence by pre-sprouting tubers indoors, amending soil with compost for warmth, and using heating mats or plastic mulch outdoors to warm the soil. Larger tubers sprout quicker too.

With the right care, caladiums will reward you with a burst of colorful foliage when they emerge in spring and summer. Now that you know what to expect and how to encourage them along, you can look forward to that exciting moment when these tropical beauties wake up and start to unfurl their dazzling leaves!