Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

13
AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums 10/13/2021 Not for Publication 1 Avoiding Caladium Conundrums Roberto G. Lopez Department of Horticulture Michigan State University Caladiums are native to tropical regions of Central and South America o Susceptible to chilling injury at temperatures below 64 ºF. Problem Growers Report: o delayed leaf emergence o lack of crop uniformity emergence leaf number o inconsistent crop timing o bulb rot o 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 # 4: to ¾” (2.0 cm) # 3: ¾ to 1” (2.0 – 2.5 cm) # 2: 1” to 1 ½” (2.5 – 4.0 cm) # 1: 1 ½” to 2 ½” (4.0 – 6.5 cm) Jumbo: 2 ½” to 3 ½” (6.5 – 9.0 cm) Mammoth: 3 ½” to 4 ½” (9.0 – 11.5 cm) Super Mammoth: 4 ½” Up (>11.5 cm) Photo: Classic Caladiums

Transcript of Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

Page 1: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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Not for Publication 1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Not for Publication 2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

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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

Page 2: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 3: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 4: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 5: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 6: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 7: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 8: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 9: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 10: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 11: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 12: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

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

Page 13: Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

AmericanHort Finish Plant Conference Avoiding Caladium Conundrums

10132021

Not for Publication 13

Acknowledgments

Questions