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Caladium is a popular ornamental plant famous for its large leaves of interesting, striking colors. Also known as elephant ear, caladium is native to South America. Because of this, it is used to hot temperatures and needs special treatment during winter in cooler climates. Keep reading to learn more about storing caladium bulbs and how to care for caladium bulbs over winter.
Caladiums are tender perennials grown for their colorful, heart-shaped leaves. While they are not cold hardy and can’t survive winter outdoors in most climates, you can dig up the bulbs and store them indoors over winter. This allows you to save your favorite caladium varieties year after year.
Overwintering caladium bulbs properly is important for their health and performance next season. Follow this complete guide to learn when and how to dig them up, cure, store, and replant caladium tubers each year.
When to Dig Up Caladium Bulbs for Storage
- Dig up caladium bulbs once the foliage starts dying back in fall, which is usually when temperatures consistently drop below 60°F.
- Don’t wait for a hard frost or freeze because the bulbs are not hardy below 50°F.
- Ideally dig them when soil temperatures are still above 60°F for best results.
How to Dig and Prepare Caladium Bulbs for Storage
- Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the bulbs and roots from the ground. Be careful not to damage the tubers.
- Allow freshly dug bulbs to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This allows the breaks in the skin to heal.
- Once cured, remove the dead foliage, leaving about an inch attached to the bulb.
How to Store Caladium Bulbs Over Winter
- Pack cured bulbs loosely in dry peat moss, vermiculite, sawdust, or shredded paper.
- Cardboard boxes or paper bags work better than plastic bags or containers.
- Store in a cool (60-65°F), dark, and dry spot like a basement or heated garage.
- Check bulbs every 4-6 weeks and mist lightly if drying out.
Overwintering Caladiums in Pots
- Allow potted caladiums to die back naturally when temperatures cool in fall.
- Cut off dead leaves, then store dormant pots in a dry, dark spot kept around 60°F.
- Stop watering and allow soil to dry out completely during storage period.
Replanting Caladium Bulbs in Spring
- Wait until daytime temperatures are above 60°F and night temperatures stay above 50°F before replanting.
- Soak bulbs for 2-12 hours in warm water or compost tea to stimulate growth.
- Plant bulbs 4-6″ deep in rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade.
Proper winter care allows you to save money by storing caladium bulbs year after year. Just be sure to dig them at the right time in fall and keep them cool, dry, and dormant until spring. With the right overwintering technique, your caladiums will return bigger and more beautiful each season.
Winter Care of Caladium Bulbs
Caladiums are winter hardy to USDA zone 9, meaning that they should be able to survive the winter outdoors. Even in these areas, though, a heavy mulching of 3 inches (7.5 cm.) is the recommended winter care for caladiums to keep them from dying in the colder temperatures. In USDA zones 8 and lower, winter care for caladium bulbs involves digging them up and bringing them inside to go dormant.
Once temperatures begin to fall and stay below 60 F. (15 C.), dig up your caladium bulb with the foliage still attached. Don’t try to remove any of the dirt from the roots yet. Place your plants in a cool, dark area for 2 to 3 weeks. This process will cure the bulbs and cause them to go dormant. After a few weeks, cut the tops off level with the soil line. Brush away any loose soil, cut out any rotted areas, and apply a fungicide. Storing caladium bulbs is easy. Store them at 50 F. (10 C.) in a dry place. It helps to keep them in sand or sawdust to prevent them from drying out too much. Keep them there until the spring. You should plant caladium bulbs outdoors after the last chance of frost, but you can start them indoors earlier in areas with short growing seasons. Caladiums can also be grown and stored in containers over winter. Limit watering to once monthly (to prevent them from drying out completely in soil) and keep them in a somewhat dark location. Once warm temps and longer days return in spring, the plant should begin regrowing, at which time you can give it additional light and resume normal care.
Easy Step-by-step Guide To Overwinter Caladium Bulbs In Colder Climates! ❄ storing caladiums ❄
FAQ
How do I save caladium bulbs over the winter?
When the bulbs feel dry to the touch, they are ready to be stored. Keep them in a warm (60°F+) well-ventilated area over the winter.
How do you hibernate caladiums?
Important Tips For Caladium Plant Care Over Winter
At this point, take the tubers, allow them to fully dry and then put them in peat or a sack. Alternatively, do nothing, leave the tubers where they are and then just stop watering your caladium until spring.
Should I soak caladium bulbs in water before planting?
For example, in my area, I will only be starting to plant my caladium bulbs in June. If you don’t have a warm enough environment, you might need to invest in a horticultural lamp, heating mat, and small greenhouse. Do not soak the bulbs before planting.
Do caladium bulbs come back every year?
Caladiums are perennial plants in warm climates (USDA hardiness zones 9-12) and will come back every year if the conditions are suitable. In colder climates (zones lower than 9), the tubers should be dug up and stored indoors during the winter months and then replanted in the spring.