The following
are our cultural suggestions for producing a highly marketable pot
caladium
For smaller batches of
bulbs, a Bonzi (8 ppm) drench (in stead of a bulb soak) after the
spikes are up has been found effective. Drenches are only effective
after there are roots to absorb the material. 2500 ppm B-9 can be
added to this drench solution to cause thicker petioles.
Growth Regulators and Caladiums – general information:
Growth regulators such as B-9 and Bonzi have proven to be useful for
various growers around the country. Growth regulators do not
eliminate the need for good culture. We believe the best height
control for the pot plant trade is achieved by use the proper
de-eyeing technique, proper spacing (good light), timely removal from
bottom heat and selection of the proper bulb size and variety for the
finished pots you are trying to create and use of growth regulators.
In most cases, No. 2 bulbs produce smaller leaves and a somewhat
shorter plant. Of course too much shade will cause stretching.
The following growth
regulators have been tried by various growers and research
institutes. Serious caladium growers should conduct similar tests:
1)
Bonzi-
Soil Drench
Apply when plants show a few spikes, and are not yet leafed out at the
rate of 8 PPM. Remember to wait for the first spikes to show since
only a well-developed root structure will take up the Bonzi. The
medium needs to be moist, not dry. Pine bark in the mix will reduce
the effect of a Bonzi drench and the concentration will need to be
increased by about 50%. 2500 ppm B-9 can be added to this to increase
petiole thickness.
2) Bonzi-Tuber
Soak
Soak tubers for 30 minutes after de-eying in a 8-30 ppm
(0.5oz-1oz/gal) Bonzi solution (#3 & #4= 0.25 oz/gal = 8 ppm; #2 &
small #1= 0.5 oz/gal = 16 ppm; Large #1, J & M = 1.0 oz/gal = 32 ppm),
allow bulbs to dry overnight on the bench and pot them the following
day. This will be effective in reducing the height in cultivars like
Aaron, Carolyn Whorton and White Christmas and result in an overall
more compact sturdier plant for all varieties. As always, when using
a drench or a soak, the rate depends entirely on your growing
conditions. Growers should experiment to determine the proper rates
and exposure for given varieties.
3) Bonzi
– Foliage Spray
Some growers have found a Bonzi Spray at a concentration of
1oz/gallon or 30 ppm effective in holding plants. Addition of 2500
ppm B-9 to the Bonzi helps increase petiole thickness and intensifies
the colors.
4) B-9
- Foliar Spray
Rate: 1 pound per 40 gallons of water, 2500 PPM as needed; 5-7 days
apart, two or three times when leafed out and spaced. B-9 also makes
for a very sturdy plant and improves colors. 2500 ppm B-9 applied
7-10 days before shipping improves the product at the
retailer/consumer level.
5) Topflor
and Piccolo
Recent (2007/08) studies by North Carolina State University have shown
soil drenches of 1-2 mg/ 6” pot to be effective at controlling height
in caladiums. Growers should seriously consider experimenting with
these materials.
Please Note:
Mention of pesticides, growth regulators etc. are by way of
illustration only not an endorsement. The label is the law therefore
growers must follow label directions with all regulated materials.
Furthermore, different cultivars respond differently to treatments
therefore try a small percentage of your crop before applying a
treatment to the entire crop. Mention of one product does not
preclude the use or benefit of other similar products. Remember read
the label and follow it. |