Caladium Industry in Highlands County

Lake Placid, located in central Highlands County, is known as the 'Caladium Capital of the World.'  Caladiums are ornamental plants originally brought from the Amazon Basin and are now frequently used for the home or yard.  They grow particularly well in the muck soils to the south of Lake Istokpoga and the center of production is located here in the Istokpoga Marsh Improvement District.  Caladiums are colorful plants that grow from tubers (bulbs).  The plants are fairly cold sensitive and, when planted in northern climates, the bulbs have to be dug from the ground and stored every winter.  Bulbs can remain in the ground year round in warmer climates, such as in central and south Florida.  A drive through the caladium fields near harvest time is well worth the trip - views of the colorful fields are spectacular.  Caladium colors include red, red, rose, green, pink, and dark red, or some combination thereof.  Caladiums are available in these colors in three different versions: fancy, dwarf and strap.  Lake Placid is the site of the annual Caladium Festival, held every August, to showcase these beautiful plants as well as the Town of Lake Placid. 

Related Links:

Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce Caladium Festival Information

Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce Caladium Page

Happiness Farms - one of the caladium farms in Lake Placid