How long before caladium bulbs/tubers sprout?

Question

We planted a variety of white caladium a couple weeks ago under an oak tree and, following the suggestions of one of the websites, we watered them with Miracle Grow. Haven't seen any caladium sprouts but some hidden acorns seemed to be sprouting. Do we need to be more patient? The oak is still shedding leaves, dropping pollen strings (or whatever they're called) and just yesterday and the day before the weather dropped to nearly 40F--in southeast Texas!

Leslie Long · Answer

@joffler. Hello. Depending on your location in TX you are either zone 8 or 9. Caladium bulbs should be planted when soil temps reach around 65 degrees and that is usually around May 1 in those zones. At your current temps, they will stay dormant and will not sprout until it warms up a bit. Good luck :)

Joffler · Answer

Thank you Leslie. It's comforting to know they're dormant and not goners. I guess for now I'll pluck out the oak sprouts this weekend and check on the caladium in a couple weeks again (though I know I won't be able to resist checking in on them every couple days). Should we re-water with Miracl-Gro in May again?

Judy Parkey · Answer

Caladiums really like warm weather. Hopefully it will be warm in May and rewatering with Miracle Grow will be fine. Check out Neil Sperry on Facebook. He's the 'Texas Gardener' and has all the answers!

Joffler · Answer

Thank you! Just went to fb and 'liked' him so I'll have access to al lhis knowledge.

Debbie C · Answer

Just be patient....they're coming!!!! lol

Douglas Hunt · Answer

As Leslie says, you did jump the gun on putting your caladiums in the ground. I do not fertilize plants until they are actively growing on their own.

Joffler · Answer

Yes, I guess I did. Got that Spring itch on time but the weather didn't get the memo. I'm in z9 and my understanding is bulbs/tubers can remain in the ground safely so
I'm hoping storing them underground for now, however inadvertently, is as good as in the garage.

Liz Holland · Answer

I make pots up for my caladiums and keep them indoors in a warm place then plant the claladiums, after they come up and it's warm outside I transplant them or just pop the pots into empty shady spots! I keep my pots in the utility room with the water heater!

Jeanette S · Answer

Thanks for the giggle! As one who absolutely LOVES caladium, I must tell you I have had this same question for years! We have such unstable temps in spring sometimes, I have actually dug up a few bulbs to make sure they have not died! I have always found them doing well with a tiny sprout...trying very hard...but it will not show up until it gets consistently warm...very warm. Here in Georgia, it is about mid to late May.

Joffler · Answer

I guess I'll learn from your experience and just wait on them til mid May or later. If we don't get to enjoy them, maybe the squirrels will, but I'm sure something will come up. I couldn't have gotten all 40 bulbs wrong. My thumb's not all brown....but it is a weirdish season. Lol

Joffler · Answer

Happy to say my wife pointed out one sprout coming up. Got a closer look and there were a couple more emerging. Whew!

Mary Ryan · Answer

My bulbs have been attacked by squirrels. I just hope he left some for me! He seems to really like my caladiums. And my tulips. And my gladiolus. And my strawberries. And my lilies.

How long before caladium bulbs/tubers sprout?

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How long before caladium bulbs/tubers sprout?

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