Question
Hi, Tom!
I have 2 different caladiums in bloom. I want them to set seeds. How to pollinate caladiums? Can you tell me how to find the female part of the flower.
Thanking you in anticipation,  Jess

Answer
Hi Jess,
Thanx for your question.  I'm sorry it took so long to answer but I have never tried to hand-pollinate caladiums before although I have had them form a flower and seed pod.  I did not try to grow the seeds.  Apparently, the pollination of caldium flowers is complex and identification of the male and female parts takes practice.  Additionally, the female part of the plants is receptive to pollination up to three days before the male portion is.  The theory is that a beetle or some insect chews in the female part which has developed a gelatinous covering that would normally prevent pollination were it not for a chewing insect.  This insect probably had visited other flowers and brought along some of the pollen.  So, you would have to circumscise (that is the term they use) the female part of the plant in order to pollinate.  Not having had experience with this, I should like to refer you to the website and breeding expert who can better answer your questions in detail than can I.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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