Caladiums for Florists

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Alemanni

Caladiums for Floral Arrangements

This represents a real opportunity for the cut foliage/flower producer market.  For arrangements, caladiums come in a wide array of colors, leaf shapes and leaf sizes.  We suggest you innovative cut foliage arrangements with various varieties using different leaf maturities.  Because of their ethylene sensitivity, something like Silver Thiosulfate should be considered in the holding water solution.  DO NOT PUT CALADIUMS IN A COOLER AT TEMPERATURES LOWER THAN 65°F (19°C). They are quite happy at room temperatures (75°-78°F: 23°-25°C) We have found that the petiole or stem can be weak and cause problems with the shelf life of cut caladium leaves.  This has been overcome by sliding the entire stem into a plastic soda straw.  Utilizing this method we have found leaves will last three to four weeks in tap water (though deionized water may work better).  Cut leaves just above where the stem begins cupping just above the soil line.  Smaller leaves tend to work better in a mixed arrangement than large ones.  De-eying the bulb before planting can enhance the number of smaller leaves. Do not cut leaves before they are fully opened. Recently matured leaves work best