Caladiums, often called Angel Wings, are tropical foliage plants prized for their vibrant, paper-thin leaves splashed with colors like red, pink, white, and green. Grown from underground tubers, they serve as popular seasonal accents in shaded garden beds, containers, and as indoor houseplants. Understanding the best sourcing options and product forms is the first step toward a successful growing season. This guide outlines where to purchase Caladiums and the specific details to look for before making a selection.
Purchasing Options by Vendor Type
Local nurseries and independent garden centers offer the advantage of in-person inspection of actively growing potted plants. Staff often provide personalized advice tailored to the regional climate and specific garden microclimates. These businesses also offer plants already acclimated to local growing conditions, which can reduce transplant shock.
Big box stores and mass-market retailers provide convenience and broad accessibility, often at a lower price point. These vendors usually carry a limited selection of Caladium bulbs in late winter and early spring, and potted plants later in the season. However, inventory turnover is high, and the staff may lack the specialized knowledge needed to advise on planting or cultivar-specific needs.
Specialty online retailers, often focusing on bulbs or tropical plants, offer the widest array of Caladium cultivars, including rare or newly hybridized varieties. These vendors ship high-grade dormant tubers directly to the consumer. This is ideal for gardeners seeking specific leaf patterns or sun tolerance. When ordering online, verify the company’s grading system, as larger tuber sizes produce more robust foliage.
Understanding Caladium Purchasing Forms
Caladiums are primarily sold in two forms: dormant tubers (bulbs) or actively growing potted plants. Purchasing dormant tubers is generally more economical, especially when buying in bulk, and they are simple to store and ship. Tubers require patience, as they must be started indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost. There is also a risk of the tuber failing to sprout if planted in cold or overly wet soil.
Buying potted, actively growing Caladiums offers instant color and eliminates the challenge of sprouting the tuber. Potted plants are typically more expensive than tubers but provide immediate visual impact for containers or garden beds. If grown in a greenhouse, these plants should be hardened off before being placed outdoors permanently.
Handling differs significantly between the forms. Tubers must be planted with the knobby growth points, or “eyes,” facing upward, one to two inches deep in warm, well-drained soil. Potted plants require minimal intervention beyond careful transplanting into their final location. The higher cost of the potted plant reflects the labor and time invested in the germination and initial growth phase.
Seasonal Timing and Quality Inspection
The timing of your Caladium purchase is dictated by the plant’s tropical nature and sensitivity to cold. Bulbs are released for sale in late winter and early spring, but they should not be planted outdoors until the soil temperature consistently reaches at least 65°F. Planting too early risks tuber rot and slows the emergence of foliage. Waiting until the soil is 70°F is recommended for optimal growth.
When inspecting dormant Caladium tubers, look for signs of health to ensure successful growth. A high-quality tuber should feel firm and dry, with no soft spots, mold, or cracking, which indicates rot or improper storage. Larger grade tubers, often measuring 1.5 to 3.5 inches in diameter, contain more growth eyes. These larger tubers will produce a fuller, more substantial clump of leaves faster than smaller grades.
For actively growing potted plants, foliage health is the primary indicator of quality. Leaves should display vibrant, characteristic colors without signs of browning, yellowing, or sun scorch. Before purchasing, inspect the undersides of the leaves and stem joints for tiny pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs. Gently check the drainage holes to ensure the roots are not excessively root-bound, which inhibits future growth after planting.