Growing elephant ears or angel wings as a house-plant
What's the key to success with growing caladium as a house plant?
Answer: Caladiums, commonly known as elephant ears or angel wings,
are spectacular foliage plants with large heart-shaped leaves that come
in a lavish array of patterns and colours - often a mixture of reds,
pinks, greens and whites.
These enticing plants can be showcased as house plants, sure to be
admired for their eye-catching, striking foliage. However, proper
maintenance is a must! These eccentric plants, which grow from tubers,
need lots of humidity, warmth, light and water to thrive.
Here are a few key factors for successfully growing caladium as a
house plant:
• Soil: If you decide to grow your caladium from a tuber instead of
purchasing an already established plant, make sure to plant the tuber in
a rich, well-draining potting mix.
You should select a pot that is at least six inches deep, with
drainage holes. Cover with an inch of potting mix. (Ideal container
sizes will vary depending on the tuber size - the larger the tuber, the
larger the pot).
In general, it is recommended to fertilise your caladiums every one
to two weeks with a liquid fertilizer. (Feeding schedules may vary
depending on specific variety.)
• Lighting/temperature: Caladiums thrive in lots of bright, indirect
sunlight. Remember that direct light can scorch their leaves.
One trick is to adjust the lighting based on the thickness of the
leaves - thinner leaves require less light. Elephant ears love warmth.
An ideal location would be where temperatures are constantly around
7030?F. Make sure the temperature does not drop below 6030?F.
• Water needs: Keep your elephant ears constantly and consistently
moist throughout the growing season - spring through fall. Do not let
their soil dry out. However it is essential to make sure to not
water-log your plants or allow the soil to become too soggy.
Angel wings also need humidity in order to flourish.
wYou should either mist your plants daily or use a humidifier to help
your caladiums obtain proper humidity.
Unlike most foliage house plants, caladiums have a dormant period
that usually begins between September and November.
Once your plants start to die back, water less often until all the
leaves wither away.
• Storage: Once all the leaves have withered away and you have cut
their remains off, it is time to store your tubers for the dormant
period.
You can either remove the tubers from the pot, cleaning off the soil
and loosely placing in peat moss or vermiculite, or you can leave the
tubers in the pot to store until later.
Either way, make sure to keep them in a dry location with
temperatures that remain between 55 and 6030?F. In early spring, repot
them in fresh, rich potting mix, water them and move them to a bright,
warm location to wake up.
- Horticulture |