Hi,
I bought these at Sam's Club. Have grown caladiums before, but, I've never had them do this. It looks like sunscald. They're planted in SmartPot grow bags, and are in full sun all day.

Should I move them to a more shady spot?

Thanks!

I'm not an expert on Caladiums, but I have had some. I've noticed the light colored ones do seem to prefer more shade. I think if you give it some shade, it will grow new leaves without the burning. You can just cut off the damaged leaves.

I think they are getting too much sun, or possibly too much water in the bags. Move them to a less sunny spot first to see if that helps. Can you feel a bulb to see if it's getting soft?

When I used to have Caladiums, they like the warmest temps but not the full direct sun. I would reposition your plant to part sun/shade. Preferably an area with morning sun and afternoon in shade. It is also very thirsty when it is getting too hot and dry, so I have to water almost everyday here. If your area is similar, you may also need to step up watering.

Thanks, Guys!

Sounds like too much Texas sun! I know it's not a watering issue, as I keep them moderately moist.

Hugs!

I'll do a follow up report after I relocate them.

Let us know how they do in more shade. I have all my caladium in shade. There isn't a lot that will tolerate full Texas sun. My succulents don't even like it!

Good luck, Linda. I've found the same thing in Arizona. I have to have Caladiums only in the shade. Not even the darker colors could take our blazing sun. In NM I can get away with morning sun for them.

Ya, even those varieties they say can handle some sun can't handle Houston, TX sun. I have some that may get a few hours direct and others that may get some filtered, but that is the most they can handle here.

Thank you, all!

Since I moved the Caladiums under the patio cover, all the new leaves have remained undamaged (sunburned).

Sometimes, I forget to laugh when I see the Hardiness Zones that say our veggies need 8 hours of FULL sun!

What they mean to say is that, in 8 hours of FULL Texas sun, dinner will be served!! Grilled veggies!

It's the same with Arizona sun! Not much can take our full sun.

I think the 8 hours full sun works in the mountain regions in the tropics, where there is sunshine, lots of cool air, enough humidity. That is why in my homeland the vegetable center is in the cool highlands. The lowlands carry the rice paddies. But then again, it is the tropics, often raining, warm temperatures sustained, island nation surrounded by water, so there will always be high humidity levels.

Unlike here in the US with its 4 seasons and its corresponding varying micro climates within a zone, so got to take those hardiness zones as a good suggestion, but observe your planting area closely and adjust as needed.