- Tropical Foliage
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Color: Red
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Growth Habit: Tall with many upright leaves.
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Height: Tall
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Sun Tolerance: Shade To Full Sun
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Suggested Uses: 4″ to 6″ pots or larger. Beautiful in all areas of landscape.
Royal Flush is a red Fancy Leaf caladium variety. These shade to full sun loving caladium bulbs or tubers are great for adding easy color to your late spring and summer plantings. Royal Flush is a newer variety that is considered tall in height (2 -2.5 ft). Royal Flush caladium bulbs are tropical foliage plants that are easy to grow in landscaping, pots and planters. Royal Flush caladiums have shiny, medium sized, ruffled leaves with deep red centers, red veins and bright green margins. Royal Flush would work well behind low growing foliage or other shorter caladiums. Caladium bulbs originated in the Amazon Basin, which is why they require and thrive in the warm summer day and night temperatures. Caladiums are from the Araceae family and mix well with other annuals, Hosta’s, ferns, and foliage.
How To Plant Elephant Ears & Caladium
caladium tubers must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.
Don’t be too eager to plant your caladium tubers because they will not grow in cold soil. Plant the tubers only after the soil temperature has warmed up to 65°F. In the central U.S. this will be sometime around Memorial Day. In northern areas you may need to wait until mid-June.
For a quicker display of color, caladium tubers can be pre-sprouted indoors. Start them about 4-6 weeks before you will be moving them outdoors. Plant the tubers in barely moist growing mix and keep them warm (70-75°) day and night.
Soil temperature is an important consideration, as planting too early outdoors can cause tubers to rot. These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are generally happier in partial shade. When you plant Elephant Ears & Caladium, you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart
If you’re growing caladiums indoors, Plant in 4″ pots or larger. keep them in a warm room with plenty of light until outside temperatures are warm enough to transplant. Elephant Ears & Caladium Tubers should be planted about one to two inches deep with the knobs, or eye buds, facing up. While this may sometimes be difficult to distinguish in some varieties, those that are planted upside down will still emerge, only slower.
Greenhouse Growing Instructions:
Maintain temperature above 70°F even at night. For best results, water should also be 60-70°F, keep evenly moist at all times. Moderate light levels are optimal and no fertilizer necessary. Generally finish in 8-10 weeks based on growing conditions.
- Plants Per Gallon: 1
- Storage Temperature Prior to Planting: 65-70
- Cooler Humidity Prior to Planting: High
Transplanting Instructions:
Use well draining potting soil with high organic content. If planting in 4 or 6" pots this variety can be "de-eyed" to increase leaf count and uniformity. Place bulbs flat side down with eyes facing up and cover bulbs with 1.5-2" of soil. Water well.
Homeowner Planting and Maintenance Tips:
Caladiums are extremely easy to grow in moist, well-drained soil. These shade loving but sun tolerant plants thrive in heat and humidity.
