Overwintering Caladiums: The Right Way to Store Bulbs

Caladiums are prized for their stunning, heart-shaped foliage, but they are tropical plants that demand specific care to survive winter. If you left your caladium bulbs in a container in the basement only to find them rotted, the culprit was likely excessive moisture and cool temperatures.

Native to South America, caladiums are extremely sensitive to soil temperature and moisture during dormancy. The best storage method is to remove the foliage just before the first frost and move the entire pot to a warm, dry location indoors—an upstairs closet is ideal. Keep the soil barely moist.

In March, bring the pots into a sunny window and resume watering. New growth typically emerges in about five weeks. By then, outdoor temperatures should be safe for moving them back to the garden or patio.