Caladium ‘White Cap’ is a captivating plant known for striking white leaves with prominent green veins. Its distinctive appearance makes it popular for adding color and texture. From tropical Central and South America, these plants are cultivated for their impressive leaves, offering long-lasting visual interest. They brighten shady areas, appealing to gardeners.
White Cap Caladium Care
Light
White Cap Caladiums thrive in bright, indirect light for vibrant leaf coloration. Placing them in a semi-shaded location, with 40% to 60% shade, encourages healthy growth. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing bleached color or necrotic margins. Conversely, insufficient light results in stretched petioles, larger leaves, and weaker plants.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for White Cap Caladiums. For garden beds, weekly watering is necessary during dry periods. Container-grown plants require regular checks; water when the potting mix begins to dry out. Applying a 5cm layer of mulch around outdoor plants conserves soil moisture.
Soil
White Cap Caladiums prefer rich, well-draining soil with good moisture retention. A potting mix high in peat or organic matter, like coco humus, is recommended. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Perlite or other mineral substrates improve drainage and aeration while retaining moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
White Cap Caladiums prefer warm conditions, with daytime temperatures 21-32°C and nighttime temperatures at least 18°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause slow emergence, stunted growth, or greening of white leaf cultivars. These tropical plants require high humidity, maintaining 50-85% during the growing season. To increase humidity indoors, place plants on a pebble tray with water or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
During their active growing season, White Cap Caladiums benefit from regular fertilization for strong foliage. A soluble 2-2-3 or 1-1-1 N-P-K fertilizer is suitable. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks or a liquid feed every two to four weeks for potted plants. Avoid over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can cause stretched petioles, poor leaf color, and brown spots on white-leaf varieties.
Planting and Growing White Cap Caladium
Planting
Plant White Cap Caladium bulbs outdoors in spring after frost danger and when air and soil temperatures remain consistently warm. Soil temperature should be at least 18°C (65°F); air temperatures consistently above 15°C (60°F). In cooler climates, starting bulbs indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date gives them a head start.
Spacing and Placement
When planting, place tubers 3.8 to 5 cm (1.5 to 2 inches) deep in the soil, with “eyes” facing upward. Spacing varies: plant smaller #1 bulbs 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) apart, and larger jumbo bulbs 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart. Caladiums thrive in both in-ground landscape settings and containers with adequate drainage.
Dormancy and Winter Storage
Entering Dormancy
As autumn approaches and temperatures cool, White Cap Caladiums naturally enter a dormant phase. Foliage yellows and dies back.
Digging and Curing Tubers
In USDA zones 8 and lower, where ground freezes, dig tubers before the first frost or when soil temperatures drop below 13°C (55°F). After digging, remove most soil and cure tubers for one to two weeks in a warm, shady, well-ventilated area.
Storing Tubers
Once cured, cut off leaves and store tubers in a dry medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or a mesh bag. Store at 10-16°C (50-60°F) with good air circulation to prevent rot and stunting.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Caladiums can face common issues. Yellowing leaves indicate either overwatering, leading to tuber rot, or a nutrient deficiency. Ensuring proper drainage and reviewing the fertilization schedule addresses this.
Brown Leaf Edges
Brown leaf edges suggest low humidity or underwatering. Increase ambient humidity through misting or pebble trays, and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Pests
Though relatively pest-resistant, caladiums may attract spider mites or mealybugs. Promptly address these pests with appropriate horticultural treatments to prevent widespread damage.