| Do I have to dig-up my caladiums and store them during the winter? They are planted on the north side of my house, near the foundation. There is a good 6-8 inches of mulch. |
| Caladiums are tuberous-rooted perennials native to tropical America. They require warmth (minimum 70F) during the growing season and wintertime temperatures of no less than 50F. If your area experiences such mild winter weather, you can keep them in the ground all year. But if you get frost, you should dig and store them over the winter months. When the leaves start to die down at the end of the season, gradually withhold water. In about a month lift the tubers, brush off most of the soil, and dry in semishade for 10 days. Then store in dry peat moss or vermiculite at temperatures between 50F and 60F. Replant outdoors in the spring after the weather has warmed. |
