Growing Caladiums

Question

I live in Pensacola, Florida (panhandle). I planted caladium bulbs about a month ago, after all temps below 40 degrees were past. I have seen no sign of their sprouting. They are in my partially shaded backyard. I water every other day, as we have had little rain since they were planted. I planted about 4 inches deep and tried to be sure they were pointing upward. Did I do something wrong, or do they take longer than that? What do they look like as they come up? I do have some very small leaves in the area planted, but they look nothing like the finished product.

Answer 1

Caladiums need warm weather to sprout with ground temps of about 70 degrees F. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/caladium/caladium-plant-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/caladium/when-to-plant-caladium-bulbs.htm

Answer 2

I live in Pensacola Florida as well and plant caladium every year. I plant them in mid-March.. By mid-April, they start coming up. They look much like the tip of a glad coming up at first sprout. Never had any problems. I plant in both sun and shade. They all do beautifully.