The Ultimate Caladium Guide – From Caladium Bulbs 4 Less
So, you’re curious about caladiums? Great choice! These vibrant beauties are full of personality, just like every garden they grow in. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned at Caladium Bulbs 4 Less, it’s that nature plays by its own rules. Weather, soil, sunlight, and even a little bit of luck can all influence how your caladiums turn out.
We do our best to provide accurate descriptions and photos for each variety, but caladiums—like all living things—have natural variations. Some varieties are known for their unique color shifts, and we’ll always let you know when that’s the case. Just like people, no two caladiums are ever exactly alike!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff…
The Two Types of Caladiums
There are two main types of caladiums, and despite the names, they can cause a little confusion:
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Fancy Leaf Caladiums – These are the most common and have large, heart-shaped leaves with smooth edges—think of the classic Valentine’s Day heart. They can grow between 12-36 inches tall, with leaves ranging from 8-15 inches long.
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Strap, Lance & Dwarf Caladiums – These varieties are more compact, typically growing 6-18 inches tall, with leaves about 4-10 inches long. While they still have a heart shape, the edges are often wavy or curly, which can make them appear “fancier” than the so-called Fancy Leaf types!
We offer Fancy Leaf caladiums in individual varieties or by color groups (Red, White, Pink, or Mixed). The Strap, Lance, and Dwarf varieties are sold individually. Both types come in different bulb sizes, and that’s where people often get confused…
Bulb Sizes – What You Need to Know
| GRADE | BULB DIAMETER | RECOMMENDED PLANTING DISTANCE |
| #2 | 1” – 1 ½” | 2” – 4” apart |
| #1 | 1 ½” – 2 ½” | 4” – 7” apart |
| Jumbo | 2 ½” – 3 ½” | 8” – 10” apart |
Bulbs are graded by industry standards, which (just to keep things confusing) means the higher the number, the smaller the bulb. Yeah, we wish they’d just call them small, medium, and large too—but here we are!
So what does bulb size actually mean for your garden? Larger bulbs don’t produce bigger leaves—they just grow more of them! And while bigger bulbs also tend to mature faster (which is great for shorter growing seasons), the final plant height and leaf size depend on many other factors, including:
- The variety itself – Some naturally grow bigger than others.
- Bulb eye size – Like potatoes, caladium bulbs have “eyes” that vary in size.
- Planting conditions & care – Proper soil, sunlight, and watering make a big difference.
- Shade levels – Caladiums grown in dense shade tend to grow taller as they stretch for light
The Caladium Bulbs 4 Less Difference
We take pride in offering top-quality caladium bulbs at prices that won’t break the bank. Just because our bulbs cost less than some competitors doesn’t mean they’re lower quality—quite the opposite! We source only the best, so you get premium bulbs at unbeatable prices.
If you have any questions or need guidance, we’re here to help. Happy planting! 🌱