{"product_id":"surprise-caladium-14cm-1-3l-small-plant","title":"Surprise Caladium - 14cm \/ 1.3L \/ Small Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaladium bicolor\u003c\/em\u003e, is a tropical showstopper admired for its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. These plants bring a touch of the exotic indoors or enhance shaded outdoor gardens with their electrifying hues and intricate patterns. Available in an array of stunning varieties, \u003cem\u003eCaladium bicolor\u003c\/em\u003e offers an artistic touch to any green space.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGingerland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGingerland\u003c\/strong\u003e: Creamy white and green leaves flecked with crimson and framed by green edges. A subtle, elegant touch for shaded spaces!\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive Care Instructions for Caladium bicolor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors\u003c\/strong\u003e: Place your \u003cem\u003eCaladium bicolor\u003c\/em\u003e in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, while too little light may cause the colors to fade. A north or east-facing window is ideal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutdoors\u003c\/strong\u003e: Caladiums thrive in partial to full shade. They’re perfect for shaded garden beds, patios, or under trees where direct sun is limited.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering Regimen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDuring the Growing Season (Spring to Early Autumn):\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse well-draining soil to prevent water from pooling around the roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDormancy (Late Autumn to Winter):\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce the leaves begin to yellow and die back naturally, reduce watering significantly. The plant is entering dormancy, not dying.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese tropical plants thrive in warm, humid conditions between 65°F–85°F (18°C–29°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndoors, consider a humidity tray or misting to mimic their native environment.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may burn the roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverwintering Caladium Bulbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo ensure your \u003cem\u003eCaladium bicolor\u003c\/em\u003e returns next season, follow these steps to overwinter the bulbs properly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Recognizing Dormancy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn late summer or early autumn, the vibrant foliage will begin to fade and die back. This is a natural dormancy phase for Caladiums, triggered by cooler temperatures and shorter days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Preparing the Bulbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCut Back Foliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow the leaves to yellow and wither completely before cutting them back to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. This ensures the bulb absorbs all remaining nutrients.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDigging Up Bulbs (If Growing Outdoors):\u003c\/strong\u003e Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil using a trowel. Shake off excess dirt but do not wash them, as moisture can cause rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Drying the Bulbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLay the bulbs in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for 7-10 days. This allows the outer layer to harden, protecting the bulb during storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Storing for Winter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the dry bulbs in a paper bag or breathable container filled with peat moss, sawdust, or dry sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore the bulbs in a dark, cool space, ideally between 50°F–60°F (10°C–15°C). Avoid freezing temperatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReplanting Caladium Bulbs in Spring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the weather warms up in spring, it’s time to bring your Caladiums back to life:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Inspect Stored Bulbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck the bulbs for signs of rot or damage. Discard any that are soft or moldy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Wake Up the Bulbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo jumpstart growth, soak the bulbs in warm water for 2-4 hours before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Planting Instructions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant bulbs in a pot with well-draining soil about 2 inches deep, with the pointed side up. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wait until the soil temperature is consistently above 18°C. Plant bulbs in a shaded or partially shaded garden bed, following the same depth guidelines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Care During Early Growth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe patient! Caladium bulbs may take 2-4 weeks to sprout. During this time, maintain consistent warmth and moisture. Avoid overwatering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note: Dormancy Is Normal!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomers often mistake dormancy for plant death. Reassure them that \u003cem\u003eCaladium bicolor\u003c\/em\u003e is simply resting during the colder months. Proper storage and care will ensure their plant returns more beautiful than ever next spring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlantHouse","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48900515692796,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0436\/1348\/7260\/files\/surprise-caladium_09d0955b-a621-46c3-95bf-654624d70c46.jpg?v=1774841769","url":"https:\/\/planthouse.co.nz\/products\/surprise-caladium-14cm-1-3l-small-plant","provider":"PlantHouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}