Ultimate Guide to Caladiums: How to Lift and Store for Winter

Are you a fan of vibrant, tropical foliage plants like caladiums that provide a splash of color to your garden? As gorgeous as these plants are, many gardeners find themselves in a dilemma when winter arrives. What should you do with your caladiums to ensure they survive until the next spring?

Fear not, dear gardeners! In this in-depth guide, you will learn everything you need to know about lifting, curing, and storing caladium corms for the winter months. Let’s dive into the colorful world of caladiums and discover how you can keep them thriving year after year.

What You’ll Learn

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:

• When the Time Is Right
• How to Lift and Cure Caladium Corms
• Winter Storage
• Replanting

When the Time Is Right

Caladiums are tropical plants that thrive in warm soil temperatures of at least 70°F. As the seasons change, these stunning plants will start to fade and go dormant in preparation for the winter months.

In regions where the soil temperature stays above 60°F year-round, leaving your caladiums in the ground might be an option. However, if your area experiences particularly wet winters, digging up the corms is essential to prevent rotting.

For those in colder climates where the ground freezes, such as the Northeast, it’s crucial to dig up your caladiums in the fall when the foliage begins to fade, and the soil temperature is around 60°F. Once temperatures start dropping, and the plants show signs of dormancy, it’s time to take action.

Remember, these tropical beauties are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so it’s best to be cautious to ensure their survival. If you grow caladiums in containers, consider bringing them indoors once nighttime temperatures dip below 60°F to give them a cozy spot to wait out the winter.

How to Lift and Cure Caladium Corms

Lifting caladium corms requires a gentle touch to ensure they survive the process. Here’s how you can do it:

To Lift Plants:

• Use a garden claw or spade to loosen the soil around a cluster of caladiums.
• Grasp the leafstalks together and carefully lift the cluster from the ground, taking care not to damage the corms.

To Cure Corms:

• Wash away the soil clinging to the corms and roots using a gentle stream of water.
• Allow the corms to dry in a cool, dry place until the soil is easy to brush off.
• Inspect the corms and roots, trimming off any damaged or rotten parts.
• Consider applying a sulfur-based fungicide to prevent rot during storage.

Winter Storage

Properly storing caladium corms is crucial to ensure their well-being during the winter. Follow these steps to store your corms safely:

• Allow the corms to dry completely before storing them. Look for withered, brown foliage as a sign of readiness.
• Remove all foliage and trim the roots to prepare the corms for storage.
• Place the corms in a container filled with dry potting medium, ensuring they are spaced apart.
• Add a layer of powdered sulfur-based fungicide to protect the corms from spoilage.
• Store the containers in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Replanting

Once the threat of frost has passed and the soil temperature warms to at least 70°F, you can replant your caladium corms in the garden. Alternatively, you can start them indoors in early spring and transplant them outdoors once the weather is suitable.

Remember to plant the corms bud side up in well-draining potting medium and provide them with adequate moisture and warmth for optimal growth.

Conclusion: Keep Your Caladiums Blooming Year After Year

With the knowledge of how to lift, cure, and store your caladium corms for the winter, you can enjoy these vibrant plants for years to come. By following these simple steps, you can ensure the health and longevity of your caladiums, transforming your garden into a colorful oasis.

So, do you grow caladiums in your garden? Share your favorite color combinations and companions for these tropical lovelies in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experiences with these stunning plants!

And remember, as your caladiums age, you may choose to start fresh with new varieties to keep your garden blooming with beauty. Explore our other foliage plant guides for more inspiration:

• What’s Not an Asparagus and Not a Fern? Asparagus Fern!
• Growing Hostas: A Favorite Shade-Loving Perennial
• Dusty Miller: A Plant That Really Shines

Unlock the magic of caladiums in your garden and watch them bloom season after season with the proper care and attention. Happy gardening!