Caladiums are tropical plants native to the banks of the Amazon River in South America. They are hardier than fancy-leaved varieties and usually more sun tolerant.
Caladiums thrive best in a highly organic, well-aerated soil.
Plant Caladiums in the garden or in outdoor patio containers when the night temperature does not fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also start Caladiums indoors where temperatures remain cold until late Spring and early Summer and then transplant them to the garden later. When planting Caladiums in the garden, plant the tubers with the pointed part of the bulb upward 2 inches deep and 8-10 inches apart. Be sure to water well when transplanting, when temperatures rise and when leaves start to droop. Also, it helps to mulch around Caladiums to keep the moisture in the soil.