Caladium Rhapsody

The fancy-leaved Caladium Rhapsody is a variety of medium height, sporting a pink blush from the veins to the leaf edges. Please note that Rhapsody is a late variety and may take 8-9 weeks to germinate.

 It's a tuberous plant belonging to the Araceae family. This ornamental aroid is often cultivated in containers or as a border plant.

GENERAL CALADIUM INFO

• Scientific name: Caladium x hortulanum Rhapsody
• Ships as: Bulb/tuber
• Bulb size: 1
• Plant Type: Herb
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Light Requirements: part to full sun
• Soil pH Preferences: Slightly acidic (6.1 – 6.5) to Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
• Maximum Recommended Zone: Zone 13
• Other Info: Deer and rabbit resistant
• Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs

Growing Tips

• Light, Heat, and Humidity: Caladiums require ample light, heat, and humidity for optimal growth. Ensure they are planted in a bright spot with sufficient warmth and humidity.
• Starting Your Bulbs: Plant bulbs about 2" deep with eyes facing up, 8-12" apart, in a shallow container with good drainage. Keep the pot in a bright location.
• Watering: Water generously after planting and maintain slightly damp soil. Roots and sprouts will form in a few weeks.
• Soil: Use a mix of houseplant potting soil, combined with heather soil, perlite, sphagnum moss, or compressed coconut fiber for optimal growth.

Caring for Your Caladium

• Patience: Be patient for growth to appear, typically within a few weeks. Once leaves unfold, repot into a larger pot with the well-draining substrate.
• Light needs: The Rhapsody caladium enjoys sun; and bright indirect light enhances the vibrancy of the colors.
• Humidity: Caladiums love humid conditions. Consider using a humidifier or spraying foliage with filtered water. This helps keep the colors vibrant.
• Fertilizer: During growth, apply diluted liquid fertilizer for indoor plants, avoiding contact with leaves.
• Long-term care: It can be grown in the garden or indoors as a houseplant on a veranda or bright windowsill.
• Pruning: Trimming back the leaves is not necessary.

Elephant ears winter care

• Preparing for Dormancy: As autumn ends, reduce watering gradually. Once foliage wilts completely, cut down stems, and dig up bulbs. Air dry before storing in a dark, well-ventilated, dry place above 15°C.