How to Store Caladium Bulbs
Caladium is grown for its ornate, colorful foliage. Caladiums produce large leaves that are variegated in shades of deep green, light green, white and crimson. They add color and greenery to shaded areas of a garden where flowers are difficult to grow. A tropical bulb plant, caladium cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Even in areas with mild winters it is best to dig up and store the bulbs. Proper storage over the winter months helps ensure that the bulbs survive to be replanted in the spring garden once all danger of freezing is past. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cut back caladium foliage to soil level with a pair of shears after the foliage dies back naturally. This usually occurs after the first frost in fall.
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Loosen the soil around the caladium bulb with a handheld spading fork. Slide a trowel under the bulb and lift it out of the loosened soil.
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Spread the caladium bulbs out on a sheet of newspaper in a dry, 60- to 70-degree-F room that is away from direct sunlight. Leave the bulbs to dry for two to three weeks.
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Brush off any excess soil once the bulbs are done drying. Pull off any remaining roots and stalks. Most of the soil and roots easily should brush off with your hand.
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Fill a paper bag with dry peat moss. Bury the bulbs in the peat moss then store in a well-ventilated, 50- to 55-degree-F room until you are ready to replant the bulbs in spring.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the bulbs once monthly during storage for soft or shriveled spots that signify rot and disease. Discard any damaged bulbs.
Dust bulbs in a fungicidal powder, available from garden centers, to help prevent problems during storage.
Moisture quickly damages caladium bulbs. Store the bulbs only in dry areas that are out of the reach of pests, such as rodents, that may prey on the bulbs.
References
- Photo Credit feuille de caladium image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
