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!
LariAnn, that was really an interesting article. I have grown all kinds of varieties including thai's. I find most of the thai's are definitely not as hearty as our domestic beauties and you're lucky to see them for only one season (even here in Fla). One of my favorite domestic Caladiums is "Florida Beauty" and I have some really amazing ones growing this year...
Name: LariAnn Garner south Florida, USA When in doubt, do the cross!
Kathy,
Thanks for your compliments and for showing your beautiful plants! Your Florida Beauty would indeed make an interesting parent for crosses; I have a few that are similar but the pink spots are not as intense.
Today my last bloom on the Red Flash produced pollen, so I was up early to scout out one or two plants that were ready to receive it. I found two, both Thais, so my cross-cultural blending continues apace (if the two crosses work!).
Name: LariAnn Garner south Florida, USA When in doubt, do the cross!
Kathy,
Here's one of my newer Caladium hybrids; it has an oval leaf shape with overlapping 'ears' such that it almost appears peltate. The red is just as intense as it looks, if even more so.
I have a strange variety growing. It's a strap leaf and it looks like somebody tried to cross some thai's. Was sold as Florida Symphony and this is the 2nd year they've come up.
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.