avoiding caladium conundrums
TRANSCRIPT
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 1
Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
Roberto G LopezDepartment of HorticultureMichigan State University
bull Caladiums are native to tropical regions of Central and South America o Susceptible to chilling injury at
temperatures below 64 ordmF
Problem
bull Growers Reporto delayed leaf emergenceo lack of crop uniformity
emergence leaf number
o inconsistent crop timingo bulb roto foliage greening
Caladium Tuber Production in Lake Placid Florida
In April tubers are planted in the field and harvested from Nov to Feb
Photo Classic Caladiums Photo Classic Caladiums
Tubers are harvested from November to February
Photo Classic Caladiums
bull 4 to frac34rdquo (20 cm)bull 3 frac34 to 1rdquo (20 ndash 25 cm)bull 2 1rdquo to 1 frac12rdquo (25 ndash 40 cm)bull 1 1 frac12rdquo to 2 frac12rdquo (40 ndash 65 cm)bull Jumbo 2 frac12rdquo to 3 frac12rdquo (65 ndash 90 cm)bull Mammoth 3 frac12rdquo to 4 frac12rdquo (90 ndash 115 cm)bull Super Mammoth 4 frac12rdquo Up (gt115 cm)
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 2
bull Tubers must go through 6 to 8 weeks of curing between digging and shipping as it speeds shoot emergence
bull Suppliers store the tubers from 65 to 90 degF with a target of 70 degF
bull The relative humidity during storage is kept close to 75
Photo Classic Caladiums
Photo Classic Caladiums
Fancy-leaf Caladiumbull Large broad heart shaped
leaves bull Petiole (leaf stem) attached
within the leaf blade
bull Less cold-tolerant
bull Upright habit and 18 to 22 inches in height
bull Filtered shade or afternoon shade with morning sun in the landscape
Dwarf Caladium
bull Heart shaped leaves similar to fancy-leaf types but plants and leaves are smaller
bull Plant height is 15 to 17 inches
bull Filtered shade or afternoon shade with morning sun in the landscape
Strap-leaf Caladiumbull Elongated tapered
heart-shaped and narrower arrow- or lance-shaped leaves
bull Petiole (leaf stem) attached at or near the edge of the leaf blade
bull Plants are more compact (12 to 14 inches)
bull Are slightly more cold tolerant and can be grown in the sun or shade
bull Used in hanging basketsborders or plantings in front of fancy-leaf types
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 3
Pre-Finished
bull Saves heat and bench time bull Should finish within 3-5 weeks
bull All de-eying dependent upon pot size and variety is done before planting
bull Pots have already been fertilized
bull Grower unpacks the rack or boxes waters and grows out at temperatures above 65 degF
Growers receive tubers from Jan to June
bull Upon arrival inspect the tubers carefully o Feel the tubers for firmness o Outside should be firm inside should be bright yellow to
creamy whiteo If they feel soft spongy or rubbery they have been
exposed to cold temperatures are and prone to rot and should not be planted
bull If tuber are not planted upon arrival they can be stored under these conditionso Air temperatures of 70 to 80 ordmFo RH of 65 to 75 o Remove from the boxes and place them in well-
ventilated open tray Good air circulation should be maintained to
prevent build up of undesirable gases and to prevent fugal growth on tubers
A fungicide dust may also be applied to prevent fungal growth on the tubers
Tubers may have 1 to 5 large prominent terminal eyes and
numerous small eyes When forced the large eyes grow and emerge
first producing large leaves
To De-eye or Not De-eye
bull De-eye 1 to 2 weeks before planting
bull One drawback to de-eying is that it increases forcing time by 10 to 14 days
bull Only de-eye tubers going into pots larger than 6 inches
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 4
De-eyeing Pointers
bull Only de-eye cultivars with strong apical dominance and it results in full and uniform plants
bull Do not de-eye cultivars with numerous visible eyes or those that will be planted directly in the landscape as large leaves are desirable
Chemical De-eyeing
bull Trial a pre-plant tuber dip in 60 ppm paclobutrazol for 30 minutes
OR
bull Other growers is dip tubers in 2000 ppm ethephon for two hours (off label use)o Allow tubers to air dry and plant after the REI
Photo Classic Caladiums
Wear gloves as tubers can cause skin irritations
You can Purchase De-eyed Tubers
Plant white painted side UP
Planting
bull Utilize a well-drained substrate with a high percentage of peat or organic matterbull Tubers should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep
because roots will emerge from the upper side of the tuber o The underside of the tubers are slightly concaved
and are smoother in appearancebull Water the tubers well soon after pottingbull Maintain a substrate pH of 55 to 65 and an
EC of 04 to 06 (21 extraction method)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 5
bull Five to six 1 tubers or two to three jumbo tubers in a 10-inch hanging basket
bull Two to three 1 tubers or one jumbo tuber in a 6-inch pot
6ldquo containers 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one
Jumbo tuber per container
10-in HB 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with two to
three jumbo tubers per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
bull Two 2 tubers or one 1 tuber in a 4-inch pot
bull One 2 tuber in a 3-inch poto sold when they have 2 or 3
leaves unfolded
4 to 5rdquo containers 8 ndash 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 ndash 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one 1 tuber per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
Waterbull Keep moist but not
excessively weto Plants should never be
allowed to wilt as irreversible damage can occur
o Leaf losso Dormant
o If overwateredo Root rot
bull Plants can be hardened by reducing irrigation frequency
Fertility
bull Excess fertility will cause toxicity issueso most noticeable in white
varieties (greening)o Interveinal browning will
occur on the leaves and eventual death of the tissue
o Loss of color (smoky and lacking luster)
bull pH gt65 can lead to leaf spotting and burning similar to overfeeding
Fertilitybull Require low fertility
o A constant liquid feed is NOT recommendedbull Application of 200 ppm at emergence and again
3 weeks later is sufficient
OR
bull 3 to 4 month CRFbull Magnesium deficiency can occur when pH gt70
o If a problem apply 2 ozl00 gallons magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) in a constant liquid feed program
Temperature
bull Air temperatureo Rooting out 70 to 75 ordmFo Growing on 70 to 78 ordmF day ge65 ordmF night o Holding 65 to 68 ordmF
bull Substrate temperatureoPots can be covered with clear plastic
Maintain high humidity levels of 90 to 100 combined with substrate temperatures of 75 to 85 ordmF will speed ldquospikingrdquo of the tubers
Remove plastic if used as spikes appear
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 6
Temperaturebull Water Temperature
oEnsure water temperatures are 60 ordmF or warmer Cold water can greatly delay plant development
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoBombshellrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Symptoms of low-temperature injury include
slow emergence stunted growth small leaves rot and greening of
the leaves on white cultivars Overwatering
and uneven emergence
Any problems here
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 2
bull Tubers must go through 6 to 8 weeks of curing between digging and shipping as it speeds shoot emergence
bull Suppliers store the tubers from 65 to 90 degF with a target of 70 degF
bull The relative humidity during storage is kept close to 75
Photo Classic Caladiums
Photo Classic Caladiums
Fancy-leaf Caladiumbull Large broad heart shaped
leaves bull Petiole (leaf stem) attached
within the leaf blade
bull Less cold-tolerant
bull Upright habit and 18 to 22 inches in height
bull Filtered shade or afternoon shade with morning sun in the landscape
Dwarf Caladium
bull Heart shaped leaves similar to fancy-leaf types but plants and leaves are smaller
bull Plant height is 15 to 17 inches
bull Filtered shade or afternoon shade with morning sun in the landscape
Strap-leaf Caladiumbull Elongated tapered
heart-shaped and narrower arrow- or lance-shaped leaves
bull Petiole (leaf stem) attached at or near the edge of the leaf blade
bull Plants are more compact (12 to 14 inches)
bull Are slightly more cold tolerant and can be grown in the sun or shade
bull Used in hanging basketsborders or plantings in front of fancy-leaf types
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 3
Pre-Finished
bull Saves heat and bench time bull Should finish within 3-5 weeks
bull All de-eying dependent upon pot size and variety is done before planting
bull Pots have already been fertilized
bull Grower unpacks the rack or boxes waters and grows out at temperatures above 65 degF
Growers receive tubers from Jan to June
bull Upon arrival inspect the tubers carefully o Feel the tubers for firmness o Outside should be firm inside should be bright yellow to
creamy whiteo If they feel soft spongy or rubbery they have been
exposed to cold temperatures are and prone to rot and should not be planted
bull If tuber are not planted upon arrival they can be stored under these conditionso Air temperatures of 70 to 80 ordmFo RH of 65 to 75 o Remove from the boxes and place them in well-
ventilated open tray Good air circulation should be maintained to
prevent build up of undesirable gases and to prevent fugal growth on tubers
A fungicide dust may also be applied to prevent fungal growth on the tubers
Tubers may have 1 to 5 large prominent terminal eyes and
numerous small eyes When forced the large eyes grow and emerge
first producing large leaves
To De-eye or Not De-eye
bull De-eye 1 to 2 weeks before planting
bull One drawback to de-eying is that it increases forcing time by 10 to 14 days
bull Only de-eye tubers going into pots larger than 6 inches
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 4
De-eyeing Pointers
bull Only de-eye cultivars with strong apical dominance and it results in full and uniform plants
bull Do not de-eye cultivars with numerous visible eyes or those that will be planted directly in the landscape as large leaves are desirable
Chemical De-eyeing
bull Trial a pre-plant tuber dip in 60 ppm paclobutrazol for 30 minutes
OR
bull Other growers is dip tubers in 2000 ppm ethephon for two hours (off label use)o Allow tubers to air dry and plant after the REI
Photo Classic Caladiums
Wear gloves as tubers can cause skin irritations
You can Purchase De-eyed Tubers
Plant white painted side UP
Planting
bull Utilize a well-drained substrate with a high percentage of peat or organic matterbull Tubers should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep
because roots will emerge from the upper side of the tuber o The underside of the tubers are slightly concaved
and are smoother in appearancebull Water the tubers well soon after pottingbull Maintain a substrate pH of 55 to 65 and an
EC of 04 to 06 (21 extraction method)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 5
bull Five to six 1 tubers or two to three jumbo tubers in a 10-inch hanging basket
bull Two to three 1 tubers or one jumbo tuber in a 6-inch pot
6ldquo containers 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one
Jumbo tuber per container
10-in HB 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with two to
three jumbo tubers per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
bull Two 2 tubers or one 1 tuber in a 4-inch pot
bull One 2 tuber in a 3-inch poto sold when they have 2 or 3
leaves unfolded
4 to 5rdquo containers 8 ndash 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 ndash 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one 1 tuber per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
Waterbull Keep moist but not
excessively weto Plants should never be
allowed to wilt as irreversible damage can occur
o Leaf losso Dormant
o If overwateredo Root rot
bull Plants can be hardened by reducing irrigation frequency
Fertility
bull Excess fertility will cause toxicity issueso most noticeable in white
varieties (greening)o Interveinal browning will
occur on the leaves and eventual death of the tissue
o Loss of color (smoky and lacking luster)
bull pH gt65 can lead to leaf spotting and burning similar to overfeeding
Fertilitybull Require low fertility
o A constant liquid feed is NOT recommendedbull Application of 200 ppm at emergence and again
3 weeks later is sufficient
OR
bull 3 to 4 month CRFbull Magnesium deficiency can occur when pH gt70
o If a problem apply 2 ozl00 gallons magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) in a constant liquid feed program
Temperature
bull Air temperatureo Rooting out 70 to 75 ordmFo Growing on 70 to 78 ordmF day ge65 ordmF night o Holding 65 to 68 ordmF
bull Substrate temperatureoPots can be covered with clear plastic
Maintain high humidity levels of 90 to 100 combined with substrate temperatures of 75 to 85 ordmF will speed ldquospikingrdquo of the tubers
Remove plastic if used as spikes appear
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 6
Temperaturebull Water Temperature
oEnsure water temperatures are 60 ordmF or warmer Cold water can greatly delay plant development
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoBombshellrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Symptoms of low-temperature injury include
slow emergence stunted growth small leaves rot and greening of
the leaves on white cultivars Overwatering
and uneven emergence
Any problems here
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 3
Pre-Finished
bull Saves heat and bench time bull Should finish within 3-5 weeks
bull All de-eying dependent upon pot size and variety is done before planting
bull Pots have already been fertilized
bull Grower unpacks the rack or boxes waters and grows out at temperatures above 65 degF
Growers receive tubers from Jan to June
bull Upon arrival inspect the tubers carefully o Feel the tubers for firmness o Outside should be firm inside should be bright yellow to
creamy whiteo If they feel soft spongy or rubbery they have been
exposed to cold temperatures are and prone to rot and should not be planted
bull If tuber are not planted upon arrival they can be stored under these conditionso Air temperatures of 70 to 80 ordmFo RH of 65 to 75 o Remove from the boxes and place them in well-
ventilated open tray Good air circulation should be maintained to
prevent build up of undesirable gases and to prevent fugal growth on tubers
A fungicide dust may also be applied to prevent fungal growth on the tubers
Tubers may have 1 to 5 large prominent terminal eyes and
numerous small eyes When forced the large eyes grow and emerge
first producing large leaves
To De-eye or Not De-eye
bull De-eye 1 to 2 weeks before planting
bull One drawback to de-eying is that it increases forcing time by 10 to 14 days
bull Only de-eye tubers going into pots larger than 6 inches
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 4
De-eyeing Pointers
bull Only de-eye cultivars with strong apical dominance and it results in full and uniform plants
bull Do not de-eye cultivars with numerous visible eyes or those that will be planted directly in the landscape as large leaves are desirable
Chemical De-eyeing
bull Trial a pre-plant tuber dip in 60 ppm paclobutrazol for 30 minutes
OR
bull Other growers is dip tubers in 2000 ppm ethephon for two hours (off label use)o Allow tubers to air dry and plant after the REI
Photo Classic Caladiums
Wear gloves as tubers can cause skin irritations
You can Purchase De-eyed Tubers
Plant white painted side UP
Planting
bull Utilize a well-drained substrate with a high percentage of peat or organic matterbull Tubers should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep
because roots will emerge from the upper side of the tuber o The underside of the tubers are slightly concaved
and are smoother in appearancebull Water the tubers well soon after pottingbull Maintain a substrate pH of 55 to 65 and an
EC of 04 to 06 (21 extraction method)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 5
bull Five to six 1 tubers or two to three jumbo tubers in a 10-inch hanging basket
bull Two to three 1 tubers or one jumbo tuber in a 6-inch pot
6ldquo containers 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one
Jumbo tuber per container
10-in HB 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with two to
three jumbo tubers per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
bull Two 2 tubers or one 1 tuber in a 4-inch pot
bull One 2 tuber in a 3-inch poto sold when they have 2 or 3
leaves unfolded
4 to 5rdquo containers 8 ndash 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 ndash 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one 1 tuber per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
Waterbull Keep moist but not
excessively weto Plants should never be
allowed to wilt as irreversible damage can occur
o Leaf losso Dormant
o If overwateredo Root rot
bull Plants can be hardened by reducing irrigation frequency
Fertility
bull Excess fertility will cause toxicity issueso most noticeable in white
varieties (greening)o Interveinal browning will
occur on the leaves and eventual death of the tissue
o Loss of color (smoky and lacking luster)
bull pH gt65 can lead to leaf spotting and burning similar to overfeeding
Fertilitybull Require low fertility
o A constant liquid feed is NOT recommendedbull Application of 200 ppm at emergence and again
3 weeks later is sufficient
OR
bull 3 to 4 month CRFbull Magnesium deficiency can occur when pH gt70
o If a problem apply 2 ozl00 gallons magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) in a constant liquid feed program
Temperature
bull Air temperatureo Rooting out 70 to 75 ordmFo Growing on 70 to 78 ordmF day ge65 ordmF night o Holding 65 to 68 ordmF
bull Substrate temperatureoPots can be covered with clear plastic
Maintain high humidity levels of 90 to 100 combined with substrate temperatures of 75 to 85 ordmF will speed ldquospikingrdquo of the tubers
Remove plastic if used as spikes appear
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 6
Temperaturebull Water Temperature
oEnsure water temperatures are 60 ordmF or warmer Cold water can greatly delay plant development
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoBombshellrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Symptoms of low-temperature injury include
slow emergence stunted growth small leaves rot and greening of
the leaves on white cultivars Overwatering
and uneven emergence
Any problems here
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 4
De-eyeing Pointers
bull Only de-eye cultivars with strong apical dominance and it results in full and uniform plants
bull Do not de-eye cultivars with numerous visible eyes or those that will be planted directly in the landscape as large leaves are desirable
Chemical De-eyeing
bull Trial a pre-plant tuber dip in 60 ppm paclobutrazol for 30 minutes
OR
bull Other growers is dip tubers in 2000 ppm ethephon for two hours (off label use)o Allow tubers to air dry and plant after the REI
Photo Classic Caladiums
Wear gloves as tubers can cause skin irritations
You can Purchase De-eyed Tubers
Plant white painted side UP
Planting
bull Utilize a well-drained substrate with a high percentage of peat or organic matterbull Tubers should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep
because roots will emerge from the upper side of the tuber o The underside of the tubers are slightly concaved
and are smoother in appearancebull Water the tubers well soon after pottingbull Maintain a substrate pH of 55 to 65 and an
EC of 04 to 06 (21 extraction method)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 5
bull Five to six 1 tubers or two to three jumbo tubers in a 10-inch hanging basket
bull Two to three 1 tubers or one jumbo tuber in a 6-inch pot
6ldquo containers 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one
Jumbo tuber per container
10-in HB 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with two to
three jumbo tubers per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
bull Two 2 tubers or one 1 tuber in a 4-inch pot
bull One 2 tuber in a 3-inch poto sold when they have 2 or 3
leaves unfolded
4 to 5rdquo containers 8 ndash 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 ndash 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one 1 tuber per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
Waterbull Keep moist but not
excessively weto Plants should never be
allowed to wilt as irreversible damage can occur
o Leaf losso Dormant
o If overwateredo Root rot
bull Plants can be hardened by reducing irrigation frequency
Fertility
bull Excess fertility will cause toxicity issueso most noticeable in white
varieties (greening)o Interveinal browning will
occur on the leaves and eventual death of the tissue
o Loss of color (smoky and lacking luster)
bull pH gt65 can lead to leaf spotting and burning similar to overfeeding
Fertilitybull Require low fertility
o A constant liquid feed is NOT recommendedbull Application of 200 ppm at emergence and again
3 weeks later is sufficient
OR
bull 3 to 4 month CRFbull Magnesium deficiency can occur when pH gt70
o If a problem apply 2 ozl00 gallons magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) in a constant liquid feed program
Temperature
bull Air temperatureo Rooting out 70 to 75 ordmFo Growing on 70 to 78 ordmF day ge65 ordmF night o Holding 65 to 68 ordmF
bull Substrate temperatureoPots can be covered with clear plastic
Maintain high humidity levels of 90 to 100 combined with substrate temperatures of 75 to 85 ordmF will speed ldquospikingrdquo of the tubers
Remove plastic if used as spikes appear
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 6
Temperaturebull Water Temperature
oEnsure water temperatures are 60 ordmF or warmer Cold water can greatly delay plant development
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoBombshellrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Symptoms of low-temperature injury include
slow emergence stunted growth small leaves rot and greening of
the leaves on white cultivars Overwatering
and uneven emergence
Any problems here
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 5
bull Five to six 1 tubers or two to three jumbo tubers in a 10-inch hanging basket
bull Two to three 1 tubers or one jumbo tuber in a 6-inch pot
6ldquo containers 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one
Jumbo tuber per container
10-in HB 8 to 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 to 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with two to
three jumbo tubers per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
bull Two 2 tubers or one 1 tuber in a 4-inch pot
bull One 2 tuber in a 3-inch poto sold when they have 2 or 3
leaves unfolded
4 to 5rdquo containers 8 ndash 10 weeks (finish January ndash April) and 5 ndash 6 weeks (finish May ndash July) with one 1 tuber per container
Tuber(s) and Container size
Waterbull Keep moist but not
excessively weto Plants should never be
allowed to wilt as irreversible damage can occur
o Leaf losso Dormant
o If overwateredo Root rot
bull Plants can be hardened by reducing irrigation frequency
Fertility
bull Excess fertility will cause toxicity issueso most noticeable in white
varieties (greening)o Interveinal browning will
occur on the leaves and eventual death of the tissue
o Loss of color (smoky and lacking luster)
bull pH gt65 can lead to leaf spotting and burning similar to overfeeding
Fertilitybull Require low fertility
o A constant liquid feed is NOT recommendedbull Application of 200 ppm at emergence and again
3 weeks later is sufficient
OR
bull 3 to 4 month CRFbull Magnesium deficiency can occur when pH gt70
o If a problem apply 2 ozl00 gallons magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) in a constant liquid feed program
Temperature
bull Air temperatureo Rooting out 70 to 75 ordmFo Growing on 70 to 78 ordmF day ge65 ordmF night o Holding 65 to 68 ordmF
bull Substrate temperatureoPots can be covered with clear plastic
Maintain high humidity levels of 90 to 100 combined with substrate temperatures of 75 to 85 ordmF will speed ldquospikingrdquo of the tubers
Remove plastic if used as spikes appear
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 6
Temperaturebull Water Temperature
oEnsure water temperatures are 60 ordmF or warmer Cold water can greatly delay plant development
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoBombshellrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Symptoms of low-temperature injury include
slow emergence stunted growth small leaves rot and greening of
the leaves on white cultivars Overwatering
and uneven emergence
Any problems here
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 6
Temperaturebull Water Temperature
oEnsure water temperatures are 60 ordmF or warmer Cold water can greatly delay plant development
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoBombshellrsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60
Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 73 ordmF and Root-zone 80 ordmF
40 50 60Overhead irrigation temperature (ordmF)
70
Symptoms of low-temperature injury include
slow emergence stunted growth small leaves rot and greening of
the leaves on white cultivars Overwatering
and uneven emergence
Any problems here
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 7
Air temperature
of 60 ordmF
Tubers potted up 5 weeks ago and no emergence
bull Some growers place black white and clear plastic above the pots to increase the root-zone temperatureo Extreme temperatures above 109
ordmF (43 ordmC) have been shown to inhibit caladium emergence and growth
Solution
Some grower place potted tubers pot-to-pot on a greenhouse bench and
cover them with clear plastic
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 8
Some growers stack the newly potted tubers in pyramid formation and cover them with a
plastic tarpaulin until shoots emerge
Potential Issues with Covering
bull Check the temperature under the plastic frequently o Greening of foliageo Overheating the tuberso Stretchingo Tuber rot
Caladium Research
Classic Caladiumbull lsquoBombshellrsquobull lsquoCandylandrsquobull lsquoClassic Pinkrsquobull lsquoDesert Sunsetrsquobull lsquoPink Splashrsquobull lsquoRosemaryrsquobull lsquoWhite Caprsquobull lsquoWhite Marblersquo
Bates Sons amp Daughters Caladiumbull lsquoMiss Muffetrsquobull lsquoPink Beautyrsquo bull lsquoSweetheartrsquobull lsquoTapestryrsquo
MethodsEmergenceAir ADTbull 70 and 75 ordmF (21 and 24 ordmC)
Substratebull 75 80 and 85 ordmF (24 27 and 30 ordmC)bull Covered with and without black
plastic
FinishingAir ADTbull Daynight 7060 ordmF (2116 ordmC)bull Daynight 7565 ordmF (2418 ordmC)
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 9
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoWhite CaprsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink SplashrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 10
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoMiss MuffetrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoPink BeautyrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 11
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 70 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered
75 80 85
Covered under black plastic until emergence
Photo taken 3 weeks after planting
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Caladium lsquoSweetheartrsquoAir 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature (ordmF)
75 80 85
Not covered Covered under black plastic until emergence
75 80 85
Photo taken 5 weeks after planting
Emergence Recommendationsbull If you are covering pots with plastic until
emergence (use clear or white plastic) Maintain air temperature at 70 to 75 ordmF Do not exceed root-zone heating set point
gt80 ordmF
bull If you are NOT covering pots with plastic Maintain air temperature at 75 ordmF Maintain root-zone heating set point between
80 to 85 ordmF
Caladium lsquoPink Beautyrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoTapestryrsquo
Air 70 ordmF Air 75 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 12
Caladium lsquoMiss Muffetrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Caladium lsquoCandylandrsquo
Root-zone heating temperature 75 ordmF
Air 70 ordmFNot
coveredCovered
under plastic until
emergence
Air 75 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 85 ordmF
Root-zone heating temperature 80 ordmF
7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF 7060 ordmF 7565 ordmF
Air temperature Air temperature
Emergence
Finish
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Not covered
Not covered
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Covered under plastic
until emergence
Finishing Recommendations
bull Emergence air and RZH temperature and covering will influence finish quality If covered prior to emergence plants can be
forced at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and compact plants maintain temperature at 7060 ordmF
bull To produce full and tall plants maintain temperatures of 7565 ordmF
Light Levelsbull Although each cultivar has its
own light requirement most will tolerateo Light is not required until shoots
begin to emerge
o Best growth and leaf color occurs between 500 to 1000 micromolmndash2sndash1
(2500 to 5000 footcandles)
o Lower light intensities can cause stretched petioles large leaves and weak plants
o Light intensities that are too high cause bleached leaf color or necrotic leaf margins
Photo Classic Caladiums
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums
10132021
Not for Publication 13
Acknowledgments
Questions