About how shallow could you plant caladium bulbs and still have them be happy?

I plant mine about 2" to 3" deep. T would depend on how big the tuber is, though. Maybe a safer answer would be to plant it so you have about 2" of soil covering it.

I'm thinking about getting a length of 6 inch pvc pipe and cutting off a quarter from the top and planting caladiums. I just don't know if caladiums would have enough root room to be happy.

Caladium bulbs should be planted with the eyes facing up with about an 1 1/2" - 2" of dirt covering the top of the bulb. Do Not plant them much deeper than 2". 3" isn't going to be a big deal but ideally they don't need to be planted that deep.


Bill

Awesome .. so they should work in the 6 inch pipe.

Very Nicely!!

Don't forget to drill a few holes for drainage.

Anne, hope you take photos as you proceed. It make a great tutorial!

My problem now is trying to figure out a safe way to cut a bit of the pipe off length wise safely. I came up with this idea in anticipation of a box full of caladiums heading my way. Since they aren't hardy in my zone I figured I could grow them in the pipe then in fall, let it dry out and just pick up the pipe and store it in the utility room .. no digging!

A jig saw would probably be the easiest way to cut the pipe. Just make sure you keep your fingers out of the way!!

I was thinking a jig or reciprocating saw.

Would a piece of gutter work? It wouldn't be very deep, but it wouldn't roll on you!

DH said if you have a table/workbench you can screw the pipe into, you can stabilize it...hold the pipe in place at both ends. Then the first side cutting mark would be on the top of the pipe. Cut. Then turn the pipe to the other side of the area you want to cut and drill screws in to keep that side stable with the cutting line on the top again. Does that make sense without illustrations?

I had thought about gutter but depth is a bit iffy. I'm planning to suspend the pipe so it's hanging so rolling isn't an issue. Your description is clear .. but i don't have a workbench. I have a neighbor who is really good at gerryrigging stuff for cutting. She'll figure it out and also has a reciprocating saw! I think that will be faster than my tiny jig.

Yes, that would be better, or even an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel.

I was thinking of the pipe "rolling" only when you were cutting it!