How to Grow and Care for White Caladium Bulbs

Plant Bulbs In Flower Beds, Containers, Borders and Under Trees

May 7, 2009

Caladiums characterized as white have leaves that are predominately white but often have green accents, green borders in varying widths or a splash of a brighter color.

White caladiums provide a dramatic background for other flowers and plants or are bold enough to stand alone. The amount of white on the leaves may vary depending on the age of the bulb, the soil condition, or the fertilizer used.

How to Plant and Grow Caladium Bulbs

Plant caladium bulbs directly in the ground when the nighttime temperature remains above 60 degrees. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination may take several weeks, depending on the daytime temperature and the amount of sun they receive. They can also be started indoors.

Garden White Caladiums are a Large Sun Tolerant Variety

This stunning caladium was derived from a cross between Aaron and Candidium Junior and is one of the more sun tolerant. The leaves on the Garden White caladium are approximately 13 inches long and 7 inches wide. They are hardy in zones 8 to 10. Everywhere else they are grown as an annual and dug in the fall.

White Queen Caladiums Have a Red Accent

This hardy sun-tolerant plant is predominately white as it matures. The leaves usually have a bright red center vein although they commonly have green veins. Fertilizer can also cause more pinkness in the leaves. Since this bulb has so many variations in color, carefully choose accompanying plants.

June Bride is a Popular White Caladium

This sun-tolerant caladium usually has an edge of green the first year but will emerge almost pure white in subsequent years. Too much fertilizer can cause more green so use sparingly if the true white color is desired.

Candidum and Candidum Junior Caladium

The candidum has medium to large white leaves with green accents and can grow to 24 inches tall. The candidum junior is a shorter plant.

White Christmas Caladium Has Large Leaves

The large leaf White Christmas caladium grows best in filtered sun or shade. The white leaves have deep green veins and borders. It is usually hardy in zones 10-11. Lift the bulbs and store indoors in the fall.

Aaron Caladium

The Aaron has a wide green border. It has some sun tolerance but is usually grown in filtered sun. It is hardy in zones 9-11 and is an excellent choice for mixing with large white impatiens.

Choosing and Caring for White Caladiums For Your Growing Zone

It is important to adjust growing conditions based on the temperature and rainfall of your particular area. Plants that are sun tolerant in northern states may not tolerate the tropical temperatures of some southern states. Caladium bulbs will rot if left in standing water so note the location of sprinkler systems when planting. Water if the leaves start to wilt.

With careful placement in your garden and proper growing conditions, caladium need little care after planting and will provide spectacular foliage into the fall.

The copyright of the article How to Grow and Care for White Caladium Bulbs in Bulbs is owned by Rosalie Thompson. Permission to republish How to Grow and Care for White Caladium Bulbs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.