How-to Guide
How to Grow Caladiums
The short answer
Caladiums are grown for shade-brightening foliage, and they are strictly warm-weather plants. Penn State Extension says to wait until air temperatures are well over 70 F with soil at least 68 F before planting the tubers — earlier planting in cold soil just makes them sit and rot. Give them loose, well-draining, moist soil in partial shade: morning sun is fine, but they need protection from harsh afternoon sun that scorches the leaves.
They will not survive frost in the ground. In fall, dig the tubers when the foliage yellows and collapses, cure them warm and dry for 1 to 2 weeks, and store them in mesh bags with dry peat moss or pine shavings somewhere that never drops below 60 F (Penn State).
When to plant
- 1Wait for real warmth — Air well over 70 F and soil at least 68 F (Penn State). In the North that often means treating caladiums as a late-spring planting or starting tubers in pots indoors.
- 2Head start indoors — University of Maryland Extension describes potting stored tubers in late February in a soilless mix, in a warm bright spot, for transplanting out from mid-May through early June once soil warms.
Light, soil, and water
Partial shade is the sweet spot: morning sun with afternoon shade. Keep the soil evenly moist but never saturated — soggy conditions cause root rot (Penn State). Feed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting or a diluted liquid feed monthly during active growth.
Fall digging and winter storage
- 1Dig at collapse — Lift tubers when foliage yellows and collapses — or after die-back following a light frost — digging carefully to avoid nicking them.
- 2Brush, don't wash — Brush soil off rather than washing; washing invites rot (University of Maryland). Cure warm and dry for 1-2 weeks (Penn State; UMD cures 7-10 days on screens, turning periodically).
- 3Store above 60 F — Mesh bags with dry peat moss or pine shavings in a moderately cool, dry spot that never drops below 60 F (Penn State) — warmer than most bulbs. A chilly basement that suits dahlias is too cold for caladiums.
⚠ Penn State notes caladium leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation (drooling and similar signs) in pets, though not lethal. Check the ASPCA database for current pet guidance before planting where pets chew.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Penn State Extension — Caladiums for the Home Garden — Plant when temps well over 70 F and soil at least 68 F; partial shade with afternoon protection; evenly moist never saturated; dig when foliage collapses, cure 1-2 weeks; store above 60 F in dry peat/pine shavings; calcium oxalate causes oral irritation in pets, not lethal
- University of Maryland Extension — Overwintering Tropical Plants — Brush soil off, do not wash; cure 7-10 days turning periodically; store covered with dry potting soil or shredded paper; pot up in late February and transplant out mid-May to early June