Do Caladiums Grow Back in the Spring?

Hardiness

• Caladiums are winter hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones 10 and 11. In those areas, caladiums often continue to grow throughout the winter and you should care for them as you did in the summer. If the caladiums go dormant on their own or because of cool weather, they do not need to be dug up and can remain in the garden. In locations such as Central Florida, where the soil temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the tubers can also stay in the garden during the winter. However, caladiums must be dug up and stored inside in all other parts of the country if you want to save them for future use.

Soil Considerations

• Caladiums must be grown in rich, organic soil to stay viable from year to year. The University of Nebraska suggests discarding tubers grown in heavy clay soils as the tubers decline in quality in such soil. The University of Florida also suggests discarding tubers grown in unamended, poor soil.

When to Dig Caladiums

• Dig the caladium tubers in the fall when the foliage starts to droop but before it loses all color. Sort the caladiums by cultivar and allow them to dry thoroughly in a warm, protected spot.

Winter Storage

• Once the tubers are dry, rub off any remaining dirt and remove the dried foliage. Dust the tubers with fungicide and store them in an area that stays above 60 degrees during the winter. Either hang the tubers in onion bags or old stockings, or pack them in dry peat moss or vermiculite in a well-ventilated area. Check the caladiums occasionally and discard any moldy or soft tubers.

Restarting Tubers in the Spring

• Caladium tubers can't be planted outside until soil temperature stays above 60 degrees, but they can be started early indoors. Start the tubers in pots or flats, covering them with 1 inch of moistened soil. Some growers recommend "de-eyeing" the tubers by removing the large central eye with a sharp knife to encourage bushiness. Once the tubers begin to sprout, keep the planting medium moist but not soggy; the plants must have good drainage. When conditions outside are suitable, transfer the plants to your garden, spacing them 8 to 12 inches apart, depending on the size of the cultivar. Caladiums should be kept moist and fertilized regularly.