Caladium - Caladium
Content:
Caladium: a description of a houseplant
Caladium flower: photo of a houseplant
Caladium came to us as an ornamental houseplant from the shores of the Amazon. It can still be found in the wild in South America. It comes from the genus Araceae, the genus is not numerous, but, nevertheless, very bright, includes more than 15 species. They grow, as a rule, in humid tropical forests, under the shade of trees, while forming dense, dense thickets. The leaves are very large, pointed towards the end, slightly cordate, very bright. Because of their shape, they are often compared to the ears of elephants. In their natural habitat, they reach a height of up to 5 meters. The plant is tuberous, and at home, starch is extracted from its tubers, but only from a certain species, which is called Caladium escuientum, tubers of this species are used for food. And as an ornamental plant in the caladium, it attracts precisely bright, unusual leaves, up to 45 cm in size, with veins in the form of various patterns, with different shades, spots, transitions from one shade to another. Caladium can be painted in colors such as silver, magenta, crimson, red, various types of magenta and green. A characteristic feature of caladium is that it does not have stems, the leaves appear on their own from the ground on long petioles, while forming rosettes up to 50 cm in diameter.At the same time, this plant has very nondescript flowers, like all this species, often an inflorescence confused with the flower itself, but the flower appears only after the fourth or fifth leaf, has a pointed shape in the form of an ear. Some species have flowers the same color as the leaves, but they are usually white with a greenish tint. It blooms for no more than 2-3 days, after pollination, a month later on the site of the former cob, reddish-orange berries are formed.
The caladiums we are used to seeing in flower shops are usually hybrid varieties. Hybrids are wonderful because they have unique colors and patterns. Therefore, they are so popular with flower growers. But this plant has one peculiarity. Since it grows from a tuber, it is dormant in winter. The root tuber itself is flattened, with a diameter of 8-10 cm. At the top there is the rudiment of the future plant, on the sides of the processes of the buds. During the growing season, the tuber forms a fibrous root system, which then dies off and is at rest in winter. The growing season is from February to November. Here the growers divided into those for whom it is a plus and for whom it is a minus. For example, some people just have small apartment areas, and with the onset of heat, the space increases due to loggias and balconies. Moreover, the caladium is a rather large flower and takes up a lot of space, so non-residential premises will suit it perfectly. And for owners of large areas, this is undoubtedly a minus. After the last leaves have fallen in autumn, you can put it in a pantry or other warm dark room. It is important to remember that caladium juice is poisonous, so it is not recommended to start it in homes where there are children or animals. It can cause severe allergies.
Caladium: home care
Caladium flower: photo of a houseplant
When caring for caladium, it is important to understand that this is, first of all, a plant that is accustomed to the tropical climate and proceed from this fact. Moreover, a plant that grows in the shade of tropical trees. Accordingly, it is moisture-loving, heat-loving. Does not tolerate drafts, cold air.They need a lot of color, and the brighter you want the colors, the more light you need to provide. Only unnecessary direct rays should not be allowed, they will dry out all the leaves. Window sills from the east or west side of the room are suitable; loggias, balconies and terraces are ideal, there is just diffused light; in summer, shade under the trees will do, only in the southern parts of your garden. If you had to place an indoor Caladium flower on the northern windowsill, then you need to take care of additional light, otherwise the color of the leaves will suffer, and if you chose the southern windowsill, then you need to do shading. The room temperature can be maintained at the standard 20-25 degrees. During rest, it is recommended not to overcool, keeping the temperature at least 20 degrees. An important factor for development and growth is indoor air humidity. Remember, this is a southern plant accustomed to high humidity. They grow very well on balconies, loggias or outdoors. And in dry rooms, they may not have enough humidity, so periodically it is necessary to carry out procedures to increase the humidity of the air. Spraying does not need to be done directly on the leaves, it is better over it, then you will avoid unnecessary stains or discoloration. You need to water intensively, regularly, starting with the first leaf, ending with the last one falling off. If you notice that the soil has become dry, then you need to water it immediately. With a lack of water, the leaves begin to dry out and lose their attractiveness. But overdoing it with moisture is also not worth it, because there is a risk of bringing the roots to decay. In this case, you risk losing the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a soil that is breathable so that moisture can easily pass through and does not linger anywhere. You can prepare the soil yourself by mixing in equal parts humus, earth and peat. With the onset of autumn, watering should be reduced. The same applies to the first weeks after waking up, because there are still no leaves that evaporate moisture, and the tuber simply cannot cope with a large amount of water and will rot. Tubers can be stored in a pot during the winter, or taken out of there, cleaned of soil and roots, and put in a dark, warm place until spring. They are fed two to three times during the period of active growth of the plant, with liquid ready-made mineral fertilizers.
Caladium care during dormancy
Caladium flower: photo of a houseplant
As we already said with the onset of autumn, in September, it is necessary to reduce the watering of the plant. And when the leaves begin to dry out, watering should be stopped altogether. The tubers can be left in the pot, but we recommend pulling them out, because by removing the soil and roots, we can detect various damage and rot and prevent the death of the tuber. Damaged areas must be cut off and treated with fungicite, then after drying, sprinkle with activated carbon. If you left it in the ground, then you do not need to water, the pot must be removed to a dark, dry place, then with the onset of the first heat, you should pull out the tuber and transplant it into another container. At first, we water lightly, and already with the appearance of the first leaves, we carry out full watering.
Caladium: flower reproduction
For reproduction of Caladium, daughter tubers from a large adult tuber are used. There are several ways to get daughter tubers:
- divide a large tuber, but you need to take into account the fact that the cut points can rot, so they need to be treated with charcoal.
- cut off the main point of growth, two weeks later, other buds are formed in this place, then this tuber is planted. At the end of the growing season, the tuber should split into several parts in the ground.
- if, when planting or transplanting, the tuber is not planted deeply, then daughter tubers will form in it.
You can also propagate this flower using seeds, but this is a very laborious process.We plant seeds in peat-sandy soil, cover with a glass lid, create a greenhouse effect. With the necessary watering and sufficient heat, the seedlings will sprout in a month. After another month, tubers are formed.
Pests and diseases
Caladium is considered a pest resistant plant, but can easily rot. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant and remove rotten leaves. In the event that the tuber itself has rotted, then it should be pulled out of the soil, then treated with a solution of Trichopolum (Metronidazole). Then it is necessary to dry and sprinkle with charcoal and then plant sphagnum in the moss until the roots appear. After their appearance, simply cover with earth. Caladium is also attacked by aphids. In room conditions, if aphids are found, the damaged areas should be immediately washed and treated with insecticides.
By following these simple rules for caring for your Caladium, you will have a spectacular, bold decoration for your home or garden. He will not leave anyone indifferent.
