Caladiums, which are leafy, lush, and exotic, will add a modern twist of tropical color to your style. These strange-looking plants, which have intricate veining, bright color bursts, or funky speckled markings, show that leaves can be just as interesting as flowers, and they’re a great alternative to traditional bedding displays.
With their vibrantly patterned leaves in shades of red, pink, white and green, caladiums provide stunning foliar displays in shady garden beds and containers. While you can purchase potted caladiums that are already growing, many gardeners prefer starting the plants from bulbs. If you are growing caladiums from bulbs, a common question is how long does it take for them to sprout?
The time for caladium bulbs to sprout depends on several factors
Factors That Influence Caladium Sprouting Time
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Air temperature – Caladium bulbs need warm soil and air to break dormancy and begin growing. They sprout faster when temperatures are consistently 65°F or above.
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Soil temperature – Like air temperature, soil needs to warm to at least 65°F for sprouting to occur. This usually happens 4-6 weeks after the last spring frost date.
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Bulb size – Larger #1 bulbs sprout sooner than smaller bulbs Jumbo bulbs sprout fastest
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Planting depth – Planting bulbs too deeply delays sprouting. Ideal depth is 1-2 inches.
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Indoor vs. outdoor planting – Bulbs started indoors sprout faster than those planted directly outdoors.
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Variety – Early sprouting varieties emerge quicker than late ones. Check plant tags.
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Sun exposure – Bulbs in full sun sprout faster than those in dense shade.
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Irrigation – Keep soil moist, not soggy, for fastest sprouting.
What to Expect for Caladium Sprouting Time
Here are some general timeframes for caladium bulbs to sprout under typical growing conditions:
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Indoors: 4-6 weeks
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Outdoors from spring planting: 6-8 weeks
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Outdoors from summer planting: 3-4 weeks
You can expect sprouts to emerge from bulbs planted indoors in 4-6 weeks. Sprouting happens quicker indoors where temperatures are warmer than outdoors early in the season.
When planting caladium bulbs directly in the garden in spring, allow 6-8 weeks for sprouts to appear once soil temperature reaches 65°F. Sprouting takes a little longer in cooler outdoor conditions.
If planting bulbs in summer when both air and soil temperatures are quite warm, sprouts may emerge in just 3-4 weeks. The warmer the temperatures, the faster caladium bulbs sprout.
Tips for Quick Caladium Germination
Follow these tips to shorten sprouting time when starting caladiums from bulbs:
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Select early sprouting varieties according to plant tags or descriptions.
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Purchase large #1 or jumbo sized bulbs which sprout quicker.
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Start bulbs indoors at 70-75°F for fastest sprouting.
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Use bottom heat, such as a heat mat, to warm root zone.
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Plant bulbs at correct 1-2 inch depth, white side up.
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Keep soil moist but not saturated for active growth.
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Move outdoors only after soil has warmed to above 65°F.
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Plant in full sun areas rather than dense shade.
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Cover bulbs with plastic tents to increase humidity and warmth.
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Be patient, some varieties just sprout slower!
When to Start Caladium Bulbs Indoors vs. Outdoors
The tradeoff between starting caladium bulbs indoors versus directly in the garden is convenience versus timing.
Indoor planting is convenient but must be timed carefully to avoid lanky, stressed plants if potted too early. Wait to start bulbs indoors about 4-6 weeks before outdoor planting date when soil temperature will reach 65°F.
Outdoor planting requires patience waiting for sprouts but avoids issues with transplanting. Simply plant bulbs when soil warms adequately in spring or summer.
If you miss the ideal indoor starting period, go ahead and plant bulbs directly outdoors once conditions are suitable. Doing so avoids potential problems when transitioning from indoors to outdoors.
What to Do if Caladium Bulbs Don’t Sprout
If properly planted caladium bulbs fail to sprout, try these troubleshooting tips:
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Check bulb viability by scratching to reveal white interior. Discard any mushy bulbs.
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Replant bulbs at proper 1-2 inch depth, making sure white side is up.
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Move pots or plant bulbs in warmer indoor areas or sunny outdoor spots.
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Make sure soil moisture is adequate but not excessive.
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Purchase fresh bulbs and restart since current bulbs may not be viable.
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Accept some non-emergence as normal and focus on bulbs that did sprout well.
Before purchasing new bulbs, scratch test existing ones to see if they are still firm and viable. If so, make needed adjustments to soil, moisture, temperature or sunlight to spur sprouting.
With proper planting and care, most healthy caladium bulbs sprout within 6-8 weeks outdoors, allowing you to enjoy their colorful foliage all season long.
Common Questions About Caladium Bulb Sprouting
If you are new to growing caladiums from bulbs, here are some frequently asked questions:
How do you know which end of a caladium bulb to plant up?
Many bulbs are painted white on the top side that should face upward when planting. Also plant the flatter side down and more rounded side up.
Can you force caladium bulbs to sprout faster indoors?
Yes, use bottom heat from a propagation mat, plant in warmer rooms, and cover with plastic tents to shorten sprouting time.
Is it better to start caladium bulbs indoors or outdoors?
Indoors is more convenient but can cause transitional issues. Outdoors requires patience waiting for soil to warm but avoids transplant stress.
Should you water caladium bulbs after planting?
Yes, keep soil moist but not soggy for fastest sprouting. Don’t oversaturate or bulbs may rot before sprouting.
Give caladium bulbs the warm temperatures, moisture and patience they need and soon you’ll be rewarded with striking colorful foliage to brighten up your garden all season long.