Why are my Caladium leaves are so tiny this Spring?

Discussion in 'Flower Gardening' started by cherylad, May 1, 2013.

  1. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    May 5, 2009
    Messages:
    11,679
    Likes Received:
    3,099
    Location:
    S. Liberty County - Texas (8B)
    I bought a Caladium back in the Spring or Summer of 2011 for a container. I posted asking about how to over-winter it back in Nov. of 2011.

    Caladium Cold-weather Care -updated: It's alive!

    It did wonderful giving me large beautiful leaves all of 2012.
    But this Spring, the leaves are just pathetically small.

    [​IMG]
    poor Caladium ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

    I did nothing different from the previous year. Same spot. Same pot. Same everything.


    I'm just baffled by this and was hoping someone could tell me what the problem is this spring?
    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Loading...


  3. purpleinopp

    purpleinopp Young Pine Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2012
    Messages:
    1,258
    Likes Received:
    818
    Location:
    Opp, AL, 8b
    Has the mama bulb made babies? Maybe the mama hasn't sprouted yet, or is no longer there.
     
  4. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2011
    Messages:
    9,332
    Likes Received:
    4,855
    Could be just as purpleinopp stated, but have you fertilized the pot at all? it may be not growing as large as it should if it doesn't have enough nutrients in there, just a thought. I haven't grown Caladiums in a while, so I may be totally off.
     
  5. purpleinopp

    purpleinopp Young Pine Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2012
    Messages:
    1,258
    Likes Received:
    818
    Location:
    Opp, AL, 8b
    After that much time in the same pot, the soil might just be worn out. I wouldn't know what time of year a Cal might like fertilizer.

    I used to store them dry in my basement in OH, here I just pray. So far they have come back with no losses, this will hopefully be the 4th year for a lot of them. Too early to say yet this year, but it would be hilarious irony if they disappear over the previous "non-winter." I've gotten my moneys' worth, wouldn't mind buying a new crop.
     

Share This Page