How to propagate: Caladium

Caladiums are flowering plants from the Araceae family. They grow in forest clearings and on the banks of rivers and go dormant during the dry season. In nature, the plants can grow up to 90 cm tall, with leaves that are usually 45 cm long and wide.

Propagating a Caladium in 4 steps

Step 1: Disinfect

First clean the knife you might be using.

Keep the knife under hot water and clean them well. This prevents you from unnecessarily transferring bacteria during the propagation.

Do you happen to have disinfectant or pure alcohol? Disinfect the tools after using hot water. Let's get away with those bacteria and fungi!

Step 2: Dig out the plant

Lay down the old towel first.

Then remove the plant from its decorative pot. Put the plant on a towel, so you can reduce the mess. Shake the plant so that the old potting soil comes loose.

Step 3: Take cuttings

Think about how many cuttings you would like to have first.

Then carefully divide the tubers of the plant in the requested amout.

If you divided the tubers, you can cut the tubers into pieces with one eye or knob.

Step 4: Taking care of the cutting

Before you plant the cuttings it's important to let the cuttings dry for a few days. Usually 3 days is enough.

When you've got your cuttings you can repot them in your own pot. Make sure you use fresh potting soil. Fresh potting soil contains nutrients that the cuttings need to become stronger.

Place the cuttings in a spot with indirect sunlight, and keep the soil slightly moist. With a Caladium it is also important to spray the leaves well with a plant sprayer.