How to Overwinter Caladium Bulbs
Though perennial flowers, caladiums enjoy tropical and sub-tropical climates, and they won't survive through severe cold seasons. If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures in winter, you don't need to surrender your caladiums each winter and purchase new bulbs every spring. You can dig up and store your caladium bulbs to ensure that they survive the cold season, and then plant them back into the ground the following spring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Caladiums
- Trowel
- Pruning shears
- Dry peat moss, sand, sawdust or vermiculite
- Cardboard box or onion sack
- Bulb dust (optional)
Instructions
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1
Dig up your caladium bulbs carefully using a small hand-held garden trowel. Dig up the bulbs after all the foliage has died back and before the first expected frost.
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2
Cut back the dead foliage and cut the stem back to the root mass, being careful not to damage the tubers. Allow the bulbs to dry in a warm, well-ventilated place for three or four days.
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3
Pack the caladium bulbs loosely in dry peat moss. Store the bulbs in an airy place at a constant temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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4
Plant the caladium bulbs in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Plant the bulbs about 2 inches deep into well-drained soil and in partial shade.
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Tips & Warnings
Treat the caladium bulbs with a "bulb dust," or fungicide. Follow the instructions for use on the label.
Instead of dry peat, you can also store your caladium tubers in sand, sawdust or vermiculite.
Don't store your caladium bulbs in plastic. Instead, use a cardboard box or onion sack for over-winter storage.
