Just to document how my very first Caladiums fare here in our Central Valley heat. These were my raffle prize from our ATP raffle.
I gave some bulbs to my friends, don't know if they had anything show up yet.
The box of goodies from Caladium Bulbs 4 Less:
Planted the bulbs in April 2015:
Batch 1 - April 2, 2015
Batch 2- April 16, 2015
When I asked here in ATP their planting experience with these bulbs, everyone said it needs high temps and those here in the Pacific side, says it is rather slow..so I moved the containers temporarily in the path of direct sun, as much sun as it can get. Late April and the whole month of May was rather cool this year, so the bulbs where just doing nothing, had to peek several times just to see if they are still firm.
In late May, I moved the containers to part sun/shade, since one container from batch 1 has started to show something poking from the soil.
As June came, so with the higher temps of 90F and higher, finally saw one tiny leaf from one of batch 1 containers show up:
June 1
Temps rising, finally got that horrid 105F heat wave on June 8, after that, some more new leaves starting to poke:
From batch 2
Today 19June, from batch 2: two little leaves nicely formed, and one bigger one slowly unfurling
Batch 1, still that one tiny leaf fully formed, some more new ones finally poking:
Going to update this thread as it goes..at least something nice growing in this onerous heat wave days. I kept on inspecting the plants especially at night, afraid some opportunistic slug or snail might take advantage. I did apply some coffee grounds in these containers too, so far, no attackers has come..woohoo! I have been misting the leaves, following the cue with my croton plants that really enjoys getting misted. I am just glad these plants have not yet croaked with this intense dry heat we are having.
