While the western-style Caladiums have been around for many years, the relatively recent advent of the Thai Caladium varieties has sent ripples throughout the Caladium fancier's world. Now, I'm bringing the two together in a bold cross-cultural hybridization program - read on for the spicy details!
Name: Janet Colvin Z8~Beaumont~Southeast Texas Proud member of Cubits.org
I collected quite a few varieties several years ago and loved them all. I haven't seen any of them coming up so far this year. I'm hopeful though.
You've done an excellent job of combining some of my favorites. Can't wait to see what else you come up with. Thanks for the excellent article about cross pollinating them.
I am growing a dozen or so Thai's at the moment and find them fascinating. They are just babies but they are all so different; I wish I knew which ones are the tiny dwarfs and which ones will be full sized. I've had Thai's before and left them in the ground and they lived for about 3 years. This year they have not appeared so I am guessing they did not like the cold winter we had.
Good luck with your crosses Lariann; I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Name: LariAnn Garner south Florida, USA When in doubt, do the cross!
Thanks for the compliments and encouragement! I've seen some pictures of Thai Caladiums whose colors are hard to believe. If I didn't have some of the most spectacular in my own collection, I'd find them unbelievable. Now, though, that I've broken ground on mixing the two types, I know it is only a matter of time before I can develop new spectacular hybrids that are as durable and easy to grow as the traditional Western types.
Name: Becky Capps Phoenix, AZ 85022 finding joy one day at a time!
Lari Ann,
I was so inspired by your article and had to "bite the bullet" and buy my first two caladiumns. They are smallish...it is so hot here in Phoenix. But I have a shade garden and until fall arrives, they will have to try to adapt this way. Thank you for sharing your pollination success with us!
Welcome! You've arrived at the Aroid lover's Paradise - a place to show your favorite plants of the family Araceae, to discuss them, and to meet others who share your passion. You'll also find the opportunity to get your mystery aroid identified.
Jerry 
