| I have a Caladium that I received after my grandmother's funeral in June. It has been in the same pot ever since and has done well. I would like to know how to treat the Caladium over the winter since it is too cold now to leave it outside. I have brought it inside the house for the time being which usually is kept at 73 degrees. |
| You were wise to take your Caladium indoors when the weather began to get cold. Caladiums need daytime temperatures of 70F degrees and nighttime temperatures slightly lower, but never below 60F degrees. Your plant is growing from a tuberous root and the leaves will die back in the early winter. At that time, the tuber will need to rest before sprouting new leaves. When the leaves yellow and die, stop watering and put the pot in a cool (60F) area. You can store the tuber in the pot, or dig it up and store it in dry peatmoss. In the spring, replant the tuber in fresh potting soil and begin watering. It will be happy in a bright window, or outdoors in a shady spot. Don't let direct sunlight reach the leaves or they will shrivel up. |
