how to overwinter caladiums

3 min read 19-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to successfully overwinter caladiums and enjoy their vibrant foliage year after year! This comprehensive guide covers digging, storing, and replanting your caladiums for optimal growth. Preserve your beautiful caladiums through winter with our expert tips and tricks, ensuring a stunning display next spring.

Bringing Caladiums Indoors for the Winter

Caladiums, with their vibrant heart-shaped leaves, bring a tropical flair to any garden. But these beauties aren't frost-tolerant. Learning how to overwinter caladiums is crucial for enjoying their stunning foliage year after year. This guide provides a step-by-step process for successfully storing your caladiums during the colder months.

When to Dig Up Caladiums

The first step in overwintering caladiums is knowing when to dig them up. This timing depends on your climate, but generally, it's best to wait until after the first frost has killed the foliage. In many areas, this is sometime between late autumn and early winter. The leaves will naturally begin to yellow and die back, signaling it's time to act.

Digging and Preparing Caladiums for Storage

Once the foliage is dead, carefully dig up the caladium corms. Gently brush away excess soil, being careful not to damage the delicate corms. Inspect each corm for any signs of disease or damage. Discard any that appear unhealthy.

Tools You'll Need:

Garden trowel or spade
Bucket or container
Newspaper or paper bags
Peat moss or vermiculite (optional)

Drying Caladium Corms

After cleaning, allow the corms to air dry for a few days in a shady, well-ventilated area. This helps prevent rot during storage. Don't worry about them drying out completely. A slight amount of moisture is acceptable.

How to Store Caladiums Over Winter

Proper storage is essential for successful overwintering. There are a few methods you can use:

Paper Bag Method: This is the simplest method. Wrap individual corms in newspaper or place them in paper bags. Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a basement, garage, or unheated attic. The ideal temperature is between 50-60°F (10-15°C).
Peat Moss/Vermiculite Method: For added protection against drying out, you can store the corms in a container filled with peat moss or vermiculite. Gently mix the corms with the medium, ensuring they aren't tightly packed. Store as above.

Maintaining Caladium Corms During Storage

Check your stored corms periodically throughout the winter, especially if you're storing them in a paper bag. Look for signs of rot or mold. Discard any affected corms immediately to prevent the spread of disease to healthy corms.

Replanting Caladiums in Spring

Once the threat of frost has passed (typically in late spring or early summer), it's time to replant your caladium corms. Follow these simple steps:

Prepare the soil: Caladiums thrive in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic materials to improve drainage.
Plant the corms: Plant the corms with the pointed end facing upwards. Plant them about 4-6 inches apart and 2-4 inches deep.
Water thoroughly: After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the corms.
Provide shade: Caladiums prefer partial shade to shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Troubleshooting Caladium Overwintering

Problem: Corms rot during storage.

Solution: Ensure proper drying before storage and monitor regularly for signs of rot or mold. Use peat moss or vermiculite for better moisture control. Discard any rotting corms promptly.

Problem: Corms fail to sprout in spring.

Solution: Ensure the corms are not completely dried out during storage and plant them at the correct depth and orientation.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully overwinter your caladiums and enjoy their vibrant beauty for many years to come. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to preserving these gorgeous tropical plants!