Harvesting Angel Wings Plant:
Timing and Techniques

Angel Wings Plant, also known as Caladium Bicolor, is a popular ornamental plant that features large heart-shaped leaves with striking patterns in red, pink, white, and green colors. This tropical plant is native to South America and thrives in warm and humid environments. Harvesting Angel Wings Plant requires proper timing and techniques to ensure the plant’s health and longevity. In this article, we will discuss when and how to harvest Angel Wings Plant.

Timing

Angel Wings Plant is typically grown as an indoor or outdoor plant for its eye-catching foliage. The best time to harvest Angel Wings Plant is in the fall or early winter when the plant begins to go dormant. During this period, the plant starts to lose its leaves, and the remaining foliage turns yellow or brown.

Harvesting Angel Wings Plant during this time allows you to collect the bulbs and store them until the next growing season. If you harvest the bulbs too early, they may not have developed enough energy to sustain growth during the dormant period. On the other hand, if you harvest the bulbs too late, they may start to sprout new leaves, which can be detrimental to their storage.

Techniques

Harvesting Angel Wings Plant involves digging up the bulbs from the soil, separating them from the stems and leaves, cleaning them, and storing them appropriately. Here are some techniques that you can follow for successful harvesting:

1. Digging up

Use a spade or shovel to dig around the base of the Angel Wings Plant. Dig deep enough to avoid damaging the bulbs while being careful not to cut into them with the tool’s sharp edge. Gently lift the plant from the soil.

2. Separating stems and leaves

Use pruning shears or scissors to cut off the stems and leaves attached to the bulbs. Make sure that you leave a little bit of stem attached to each bulb.

3. Cleaning

Remove any excess soil from the bulbs by gently brushing them with your hands or using a soft-bristled brush. Avoid washing them with water as it can make them susceptible to rotting.

4. Storing

Allow the bulbs to dry for a few days in a warm and dry place before storing them. Store them in a container filled with peat moss or vermiculite, ensuring that they are not touching each other. Keep them in a cool and dry place until it’s time to replant them.

FAQs

Q: How often should I harvest Angel Wings Plant?

A: You should harvest Angel Wings Plant once a year during its dormant period.

Q: Can I store Angel Wings Plant bulbs in the refrigerator?

A: No, you should avoid storing Angel Wings Plant bulbs in the refrigerator as it can cause them to freeze and die.

Q: How do I know when it’s time to harvest Angel Wings Plant?

A: It’s time to harvest Angel Wings Plant when its leaves begin to turn yellow or brown, indicating that it’s entering its dormant period.

Q: Can I propagate Angel Wings Plant from harvested bulbs?

A: Yes, you can propagate Angel Wings Plant by planting harvested bulbs in well-draining soil during the next growing season.

Q: How long can I store Angel Wings Plant bulbs?

A: You can store Angel Wings Plant bulbs for up to six months if they are kept in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

In conclusion, harvesting Angel Wings Plant requires proper timing and techniques for successful storage and replanting. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy this beautiful ornamental plant year after year while maintaining its health and beauty.