🌿 Caladium

Use a loose, organic-rich substrate that retains moisture but does not drain. A suitable mix for containers is a quality peat- or coir-based potting soil amended with perlite/potato and fine pine bark or compost (e.g. ~2 parts potting soil: 1 part perlite/potato: 1 part bark/compost). The mixture should remain evenly moist during active growth, but never soggy; make sure pots are well drained and avoid heavy garden soils that compact. A slightly acidic to neutral medium is suitable; refresh the mixture when repotting tubers to maintain aeration.

Caladium 'Candidum' is normally grown from tubers (not from true seed). Plant only after danger of frost has passed and soils are warm, or start tubers indoors for earlier exposure. Indoor starting (recommended in cool climates): - Pot the tubers 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. - Use a humus-rich, non-draining potting mix; plant with the buds ("eyes") facing upwards. - Cover with 2.5-5 cm of potting soil. - Keep warm (approx. 21-27°C / 70-80°F) and evenly moist but not soggy; growth is slow if kept cool. - Growth is slow if kept cool. Only let the plant harden off and take it outside when nights are regularly warm and frost-free. Outdoor planting: - Choose a sheltered spot, in light or shade. - Soil should be fertile, retain moisture and be well drained. - Plant tubers at a depth of 2.5 to 5 cm, eyes upwards, spacing them about 20 to 30 cm apart (or one tuber per pot, depending on tuber size). - Water and maintain constant humidity; avoid soggy conditions. Dormancy and overwintering : - In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and die back naturally while the tuber goes dormant; reduce watering. - Before frost, lift tubers (or put pots under cover). Leave tubers to dry in a warm, airy place for about 1-2 weeks. - Store dry and frost-free (approx. 15-18°C / 59-65°F) in lightly dried peat/vermiculite/wood shavings, and replant in spring. Propagation by division: - In spring, large tubers can be divided if each piece has at least one viable "eye"; allow cut surfaces to dry briefly before planting to reduce rot.

Fertilize only during the active growth period (spring to summer, once leaves are fully expanded). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10 or similar) at half the rate every 2 to 4 weeks, or incorporate a balanced, controlled-release fertilizer at the label rate at planting time for container-grown plants. Avoid excess nitrogen and over-fertilization (which can reduce color and burn roots and leaves); do not apply fertilizer to foliage, and water after fertilizer application. Do not fertilize newly planted dormant tubers before growth begins, and stop doing so when growth slows and plants go dormant at the end of the season.