How to Plant and Grow Caladium Bulbs: A Beginner’s Guide
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🪴 Introduction
Caladiums are the darlings of the shade garden—known for their vivid foliage and effortless elegance. Whether you're brand new to gardening or just new to caladiums, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow these tropical beauties with confidence.
💡 What Are Caladiums?
Caladiums are tropical plants grown for their bold and colorful leaves. From soft pinks and greens to striking reds and whites, these bulbs (technically called “tubers”) are the secret behind many lush, eye-catching garden beds.
At Blue Buddha Farm, we specialize in boutique caladium varieties like Pink Symphony, Autumn Beauty, and Freckles—each with its own personality.
📦 Step 1: Choosing the Right Bulbs
When selecting caladium bulbs, choose:
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Size 1 bulbs for larger leaves and taller growth
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Size 2 bulbs for a slightly more compact look (great for containers!)
👉 Try our Pink Symphony Caladiums for soft pastel magic or Autumn Beauty for bold red veins with lime green tones.
🌱 Step 2: When and Where to Plant
Timing:
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Plant outdoors after the last frost and when soil temps reach at least 65°F.
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For indoor displays or an early start, plant bulbs in pots 4–6 weeks before your last frost date.
Light:
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Most caladiums thrive in partial shade, though some can tolerate filtered sun.
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Indoors? Place near a bright window with indirect light.
🏡 Step 3: How to Plant Caladium Bulbs
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Loosen the soil and enrich with compost if needed.
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Plant bulbs 1–2" deep with the knobby side facing up (don’t worry—they’ll still grow if you mess this up).
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Space 8–12" apart for full, lush coverage.
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Water gently after planting.
💧 Tip: Keep soil moist but not soggy—they don’t like wet feet!
🌿 Step 4: Ongoing Care
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Water regularly during the growing season.
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Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer for best leaf color.
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Remove any yellowing leaves to keep your plant healthy and tidy.
⛱️ If you’re in a cooler zone, dig up the bulbs before the first frost, let them dry, and store in a paper bag in a warm, dry place.
🌸 Favorite Varieties to Try
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Pink Symphony – soft pinks and green with delicate veining
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Freckles – red speckled on green, playful and fun
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Autumn Beauty – fiery red veins, lime green background
Bundle and save with our Happy Mix Pack (20 bulbs)!
🌼 Final Thoughts
Caladiums are a low-effort, high-reward plant that instantly elevates any space—garden beds, patios, or sunny windows. With the right care, your caladiums will thrive all summer long and come back stronger each year.
Still unsure where to begin? Explore our full caladium collection here and bring home something beautiful.
Happy gardening!
Hollie & the Fam
