Sources of organic matter include peat moss,well rotted manure, and compost. Caladiums can be grown in unamended poor soil for at least one season since there is enough food stored in the tuber to last one season. Tubers grown in unamended poor soil should be discarded and replaced annually. Tubers should be planted 2 inches deep and 18 inches apart with growing points facing upward. Firm the soil around them when planting to prevent the formation of air pockets between the tuber and the soil.
Proper fertilization produces healthy large leaved plants.
Plants grown in sandy soils will benefit from monthly applications during the growing season since fertilizer is rapidly leached from soil. Caladiums cannot tolerate cold temperatures and when soil temperatures drop below 60 degrees F plants will gradually deteriorate and finally the foliage will die. This is essentially what happens in the fall in north Florida. The yellowing and drooping of the foliage signals the time to dig and store caladium tubers. They should be dug before the leaves completely deteriorate since leafless tubers will be difficult to locate.