Will Caladiums winter over in pots in my barn

Question

Every year I pull my caladiums and dry them out, pack them in peat moss or sawdust. Every spring they have turned to dust. Does anyone know if they will winter over in pots sitting in my barn? I live in middle Tenn so winters are not very harsh. Thanks.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I think the problem is that it is too cold in your barn, as you are otherwise doing exactly what is recommended for caladium bulbs. They really need to be someplace where it does not get below 60 degrees. See this from the University of Illinois Extension Service: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/palette/070624.html

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

You could just bring in the house and put in a north window and let it do its thing. Mine actually never dies out just hangs out and each spring take it outside. Most Caladiums will die out in the house and do not water just leave in pot to die. I know people who do that.

Mikell Paulson · Answer

I would think they would be ok in your house! They are usually a zone 12. So should be fine in your house!

Lauretta Cofer · Answer

I always just bring mine in the house about this time of year. They don't die back or anything . I put them outside again in the spring with everything else. I had no idea they died back or I was supposed to dig them up!

Buster Evans · Answer

I think I'd Opt for bringing them inside and placing them in an area where they still get light... maybe where you'll have the christmas tree due to the 'christmas colors' if the leaves.. they would add to the decorations, But I would think even if they died back inside they should come back in the spring as long as they dont get too cold.

Sheryl Grimm · Answer

I didn't know you were supposed to dig them up in the fall... I live in Florida and just let them die, they come back every spring.

Buster Evans · Answer

I understand all too well about cats! lol good luck with the caladiums!

Gena Crow · Answer

Maybe someone will keep them for you over the winter. I've done that for my mom. I'm originally from Tennessee (Dickson county) and miss it so much!

P Kirkpatrick · Answer

Try keeping them in the barn sounds like you have nothing to lose:)

P Kirkpatrick · Answer

How much water should you give them if you bring inside?

Beth Hyatt · Answer

I live in Texas, I leave mine in the pots and cover them in the garage till next year. They come back every time!

MichaelJ · Answer

Denise, this a but off topic but I have pretty much eliminated the plant eating by cats with 4' pots of fresh wheat grass. At under $2 a pound the seed is cheap and the cats prefer it to the plants. I have eliminate digging in cat accessible plants with river rock or similar barriers on the soil.

Linda B · Answer

I think they would do fine. You would probably need them to have some light during the day. And maybe less water.

Suzy · Answer

I gave a friend a caladium in a pretty ceramic pot. She stuck the pot in the storage room out in her garage for the winter. The next Spring, she reached for the pot and found that the caladium was coming up in the pot right there in the dark exterior room! This in Arkansas near the Oklahoma border about midway down the state. You might be in that same zone or climate.

Carol · Answer

I have kept them in their pot in my zone 5/6 50 degree hobby greenhouse over the winter but, they are slow to come back and do not produce the big leaves they are loved for. If I were you, I would try sticking them in the lightest spot in the barn and water them maybe once a week but, just a little if the soil feels dry. They will rot if they get too wet. My best guess, good luck,Denise

Denise · Answer

THANKS to EVERYONE who replied.  You gave me some things to try!  Thanks again!

Vicki · Answer

i bring mine in the house and store in peat moss & they come back every year. As far as bringing in the pot & keeping the cat out - i put aluminum foil around the base of my houseplants to keep my cat from digging in them - if you dont like that look, poke holes in the aluminum foil and then top it off with decorative glass gems that you can get for $1.00 each at the Dollar Tree stores - makes it look very nice. You can also use spanish moss, but my cat liked to dig in it as well so the glass gems have been my best bet - easy to remove in the spring when i take them back out side - i simply lift the aluminum foil and the glass gems come with them- i wash the glass gems & keep them for the next fall. Good luck!

Jane · Answer

If it is not broke etc., keep doing what you have been doing! I hope that you will have those lovely Caladiums for a long time. All my mother and father relatives were from Tennessee. I wish I had been born there!!

Will Caladiums winter over in pots in my barn

Suggested Project Book

14 Blah to Beautiful Lamp Ideas to Transform Your Entire Living Room

Will Caladiums winter over in pots in my barn

Suggested Project Book

Related Discussions