Storage Tips

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In the fall when temperatures drop below 65 degrees, caladium bulbs will go dormant and remain throughout the winter. In the North caladium bulbs should be dug before your first frost. Time permitting, the leaves should be allowed to dry up and fall off naturally. This allows the nutrients from the leaves to be absorbed back into the bulb enabling the bulb to bulk up for storage. The leaves may also be removed by cutting them off close to the bulb, being careful not to cut into the bulb. Cuts or tears into the bulb increase the chance of fungus/rot/infection during storage.

After digging, your caladium bulbs should be allowed to dry for 10-14 days. This is best done by laying them out on a towel or newspaper and provide good warm ventilation. A gentle breeze or small fan combined with some sunlight or in a heated garage will firm and dry them up.

Ideally, caladium bulbs should be stored in flats to ensure good ventilation. If space is limited, the bulbs may be placed in mesh bags or panty hose with peat moss as a separator. Many folks just hang these bags in an unused closet or heated garage throughout the off season. Caladium bulbs should be stored in an area that maintains temperatures above 65 degrees.

Remember caladiums are the fullest and prettiest the first season and may decrease in size and foliage in the following years.