I want everyone to know that Aroid Paradise can now accept articles about Aroids. Of course, my newest articles will be published here first, but anyone else who feels the urge and has something to share is welcome to submit an article. I will review it, make suggestions if necessary, correct typos or grammatical issues, then put it online. You don't have to be a scientist to contribute; just being an avid aroid fanatic with something to share about is adequate qualification!

OK, folks, my first Cubits article, "The New Caladium Frontier - East plus West!", is scheduled to be published online June 23, 2010 (tomorrow). I look forward to hearing your feedback on it!

LariAnn

LariAnn.
Let me be the first to say, i can'nt wait to see it!
Jerry

I read your super article and was so inspired, I bought my first CALADIUMS.

I live in Phoenix,,,a dry heat and the temp today is a gagging 113. The nursery man suggested I keep these in the shade until fall. I am planting in huge pots because I am leasing the house and if I have success, I want them to be able to come with me.

Any input, Lari Ann?

Becky

Becky,

I agree with your nursery man. Caladiums grow in semi-sun here but our temps are nowhere near as hot as yours, and our humidity is much higher, I believe.

I also agree about keeping them in pots because not only can you move them with you, you can keep them from "escaping" in the garden. When they go dormant, the task of unpotting and inspecting the tubers is much easier when they are in a pot than if they are in the garden.

LariAnn

Thanks Lari Ann~

Now, what is this about going dormant and inspecting tubers? I have spider plants that have tubers that look like white radishes.

Becky,

Down here in south Florida, the Caladiums go dormant in the wintertime. This is similar to how they behave in their native habitat, where there is a distinct wet season followed by a dry season. When they do go dormant, that is the time to see if the tubers have multiplied and to change out the soil mix if necessary. If they have multiplied, you may want to replant each one in a separate pot, or move the group to a larger pot if they will all fit without crowding each other. You can also inspect for rot or bad areas on the tubers so they can be treated if necessary.

Spider plants don't go dormant like that; their "tubers" are actually fattened roots.

You are a wealth of information Lari Ann!

So, let me ask this: is a pothos the same as a philodendron? I have two house plants and one rooted outdoors in the shade garden. I used to have a split leaf philodendron that was huge. Are these all part of the Aroid family? Mine never bloom so I am guessing not.

Indeed, they are all part of the Aroid family, but "pothos" is not the same as a philodendron. In fact, and this is where common names can get you into trouble, some plants that people call "split leaf philodendron" are not really philodendrons, either. I'd have to see a picture of the plant you refer to in order to be sure what it is. Some people call the Philodendron selloum a "split leaf philodendron", while others call the Monstera a "split leaf philodendron".

This may confuse more than clear up, but that is what we deal with when there are no pictures, only common names!