Build your own backyard tropical paradise by adding a few tropical plants to your landscape! With all the unique tropical plants available from exotic blooms to colorful foliage, it’s never been easier to add a tropical punch to your deck or patio from Spring to Fall. Below are few Tropical plants to enjoy.
We can't all afford to fly to Hawaii this summer for a tropical vacation but it's safe to say a tropical plant purchase could fit in your budget. So let's bring the tropics home for a nice little stay-cation! Want to know how to best keep Hawaii's state flower blooming and healthy through the summer? Read our hibiscus how to.
Hello everyone and happy Thursday to you! Today I am excited to share a really beautiful and easy to grow plant with you all, the caladium.
The caladium originated in the Amazon jungles of South America. It is a summer bulb (tuber) that will thrive in hot temperatures like ours, and it's gorgeous heart-shaped leaves of red, white, pink, and green will paint your garden in color until the first cold nights. Caladiums offer a fabulous way to insert color and beauty without the use of flowers, providing continuous interest in the landscape well beyond a limited blooming period.
Caladiums are easy to plant and are wonderful as a ground cover or border, or in pots, hanging baskets and planters on your deck and inside your home. Mix several varieties in your landscaping for a colorful contrast. Look at some of the gorgeous arrangements of caladiums you'll find down at Garden Supply.
Caladiums can be grown as annuals, or may be over-wintered as tender bulbs. Remember that they are a hot-weather, summer bulb. The bulb will be damaged, causing dwarfed leaves, if the temperatures reach below 60 degrees for a prolonged period of time. Lightly fertilize every six weeks with the fertilizer you normally use (or 6-6-6 slow release fertilizer). In the fall, let the leaves die back, then before the first freeze, dig up the bulbs, leaving the leaves on. Store in mesh or paper bags between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Or better yet, bring your potted caladiums indoors during the cooler months and enjoy their colorful foliage as houseplants. You'll not be sorry!
Caladiums make a wonderful addition for floral arrangements, too. Cut leaves will keep indoors for 2-3 weeks and are odorless and non-allergenic. Leaves should be soaked for 24 hours before using in arrangements.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope I've piqued your interest for adding color and interest in your homes and landscape through the use of bright and unusual foliage. And join me back here soon for more snippets from the garden.
