The Vibrant Pink-Leafed Florida Elise Caladium Plant

The Vibrant Florida Elise Caladium Plant

The Florida Elise caladium is a stunning tropical plant known for its vibrantly colorful heart-shaped leaves. Often called the "pink moon" caladium due to its bright pink colors, this variety makes an excellent addition to shady gardens and containers.

Origins of the Florida Elise Caladium

Caladiums originate from the rainforests of Brazil and Peru in South America. There are over 1,000 diverse caladium cultivars and varieties available today. The Florida Elise caladium gets its name from the Florida tuber growers who breed and supply many popular caladium bulb varieties.

This particular caladium variety features leaves that emerge a striking pink color with darker pink veins. As the leaves mature, they fade to a lighter pink color with deeper pink central veins and ruffled edges.

Florida Elise Caladium Care Tips

Caring for Florida Elise and other caladiums is relatively easy with the right growing conditions. Here are some key care tips:

• Plant in rich, organic potting soil with good drainage
• Site in partial sun to full shade locations
• Keep evenly moist, water 1-2 times per week
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growth
• Bring bulbs indoors before first frost in fall

Florida Elise caladium works well in containers and hanging baskets on decks and patios. Be sure to provide some afternoon shade if planting outside. Indoors, place near a bright window out of direct sunlight.

Where to Use Florida Elise in the Landscape

The Florida Elise caladium brings a unique touch of the tropics to gardens, borders, and containers. Its vivid pink leaves contrast beautifully with other plants.

Use this caladium variety to add striking color under trees and shrubs, alongside pathways and patios, and in flower beds and mixed containers. Combining shades of pink, white, and green creates a pleasing display.

Florida Elise also looks gorgeous on its own planted en masse in landscape beds and planters. It works well with other caladiums, begonias, ferns, impatiens, and coleus.

Common Pests and Disease Problems

In general, caladiums have few serious pest and disease issues to watch for. With proper cultural care, the Florida Elise and other varieties remain quite vigorous through the growing season.

Potential problems to monitor for include:

• Fungal leaf spots - Water early in the day to allow leaves to dry out.
• Mealybugs & spider mites - Wash off with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Root rot - Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage.

Catching problems early allows you to take corrective care measures before significant damage occurs.

Overwintering Florida Elise Bulbs

In zones 8-11 where winters stay frost-free, Florida Elise can be left in the garden as perennial plants. In colder zones, the caladium bulbs must be dug up and stored over winter.

When fall arrives, cut back the leaves and stems once they yellow. Carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a warm spot for 1-2 weeks. Remove any remaining foliage.

Next, place the dry bulbs in a box filled with dry peat moss, vermiculite, or packing material. Store the box in a cool frost-free place around 50-60°F until spring. Then replant them outdoors after the last frost date.

Where to Buy Florida Elise Caladium Bulbs

You can find Florida Elise caladium bulbs at many online nurseries and garden centers that sell tropical bulbs. The bulbs are typically available in spring once the threat of frost has passed.

Choose large, firm bulbs and plant them according to the package directions. Place them in a sunny windowsill 6 weeks before your estimated planting date to give them a head start on growth.

Reliable online retailers for purchasing Florida Elise caladium bulbs include:

• Florida Hill Nursery
• Wellspring Gardens
• Glasshouse Works
• Brent & Becky's Bulbs

Displaying Florida Elise Caladiums

The Florida Elise caladium provides vivid color and visual interest wherever its planted. Here are some creative ideas for showing off this beautiful bulb:

Group in Borders and Beds

A mass planting of Florida Elise caladium bulbs creates a high-impact display. Repeat large drifts along walkways, fences and garden beds. Combine with begonias, impatiens and coleus for contrast.

Create Tropical Container Gardens

The Florida Elise's lush foliage looks gorgeous paired with elephant ears, cordylines and bromeliads in patio planters. Use several bulbs per pot and dress it up with moss and interesting garden ornaments.

Underplant Trees, Shrubs and Benches

Fill in the bare spots under and around permanent landscape plants with Florida Elise caladiums. The bright colors will draw attention while keeping the area neat and tidy. Use around seating areas to add a punch of color.

Line Pathways and Garden Entries

Create vibrant walkways by planting a long row of Florida Elise caladium bulbs on one or both sides of paths and entryways. Visitors will feel like they've entered their own private tropical garden.

The cheerful pink shades of the Florida Elise caladium provide gorgeous contrast in shady garden beds and containers. Add this easy-care bulb anywhere you desire a bold splash of colorful foliage.

FAQs

How much sun does the Florida Elise caladium need?

The Florida Elise caladium grows best in partial shade and should be protected from hot, direct sunlight. Provide the plant with 2-4 hours of morning or late day sun exposure.

What is the best soil to use for Florida Elise caladiums?

Rich, well-draining organic soil amended with compost or peat moss provides ideal growing conditions. The soil should hold some moisture but not get waterlogged.

How often do Florida Elise caladiums need to be watered?

Water Florida Elise caladiums about 1-2 times per week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Increase watering frequency in very hot, dry weather. Take care not to overwater the plants.

What USDA zones is Florida Elise hardy to?

In zones 8-11, Florida Elise can remain outdoors year-round as a perennial. In zones 3-7, the bulbs must be dug up in fall and stored over winter until spring planting.