I just recently purchased this Caladium. And be dang if I can find it's tag. But it's one that can take some sunshine. Yesterday... I spotted this "thing" on it. Definitely not a new leaf. Caladium "flower bud" ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) I was telling a coworker about it today. She said "I never saw anything like that. Take a picture". Duh... she should know me better than that! :-D So this is what it looked like this afternoon... with a Peace Lily kinda Spath. Caladium "spath" ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) Can't wait to show my coworker this in the morning!
Normally you don't see many blooms because the buds are removed before they can open. It seems they take away nutrients that the leaves need and can cause a lot of stress to the plant trying to feed both leaves and bloom, the leaves usually don't win that competition.
Do a little research; isn't that a seed-pod? Are they self-fertile? Do you want seeds to try and propagate more plants? The 'do you want seeds' question is somewhat critical because the bulbs sell rather cheaply at garden centers, if you wanted to increase your caladium population.. Hank
I just read a little about it... and like Toni said... the "bloom" sucks up a lot of nutrition. And I have no intention on trying to save the seeds and start more. So... it will be cut off. Still... was pretty cool to see! :-D
