Caladiums are tropical plant that are aboriginal to South America . In their instinctive home ground , they experience hot and humid weather yr - orotund . However , in regions with cold climate , caladium are not able to come through the winter months outdoors .

When temperature drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit ( or -9 degrees Celsius ) , caladiums will naturally go abeyant . This means that the leaves will die back , and the plant life will get into a menses of respite . During quiescency , the plant ’s vitality is focalise on its bulbs , which are underground store organs .

While caladium may go dormant when kept outside , there are ways to advance them to continue growing indoors or in a protect environment . Some growers have had succeeder keeping caladium animated and actively growing all year around , specially if they provide the ripe stipulation .

One option is to bring your caladiums indoors before the temperatures drop too low . This can be done by digging up the bulbs and potting them in container satisfy with well - drain soil . grade the great deal in a bright location with indirect sunlight . Keep in mind that caladiums prefer temperatures around 70 to 85 degree Fahrenheit ( or 21 to 29 degrees Celsius ) , so seek to maintain a ardent environment for them .

Another method acting is to expend a heat mat to provide warmth to the caladium bulbs . heating plant mats are specially design to emit gentle heat , which can be beneficial for tropical flora like caladiums . By placing the pots on a warmth mat , you’re able to help oneself simulate the warm conditions that caladiums boom in . However , be cautious not to use excessive rut , as it can stimulate harm to the bulbs .

It ’s important to note that even with these measures , caladiums may still naturally enter a dormant land . This is their instinctual response to colder temperatures and rock-bottom sunlight . During dormancy , the leaves will wither and die back , but the electric-light bulb will remain alive underground .

If you decide to keep your caladiums indoors during the wintertime , it ’s essential to cater them with right guardianship . water system the plants meagrely during the sleeping period , admit the dirt to dry out between waterings . Once spring arrives and temperature begin to warm up up , you may gradually increase watering and provide more sun to advance fresh growth .

If you choose not to bring your caladiums indoors , you may still save up the bulbs for future use . Before the first Robert Lee Frost , dig up the bulb and softly remove any surplus soil . appropriate them to dry out for a few days in a well - ventilated country . Once dry , lay in the bulb in a cool ( around 50 to 60 degree Fahrenheit or 10 to 15 degree Celsius ) , teetotal locating for the winter . assure on them sporadically to ensure they are not rotting or drying out too much .

While caladium have a natural tendency to go dormant when temperature drop below 15 degrees , it is possible to keep them live and growing indoors with the right condition . However , it ’s important to note that even with careful care , caladiums may still naturally enter a dormant state . By providing warmness , proper lighting , and appropriate watering , you could increase the chance of keeping your caladium thriving throughout the year .

Caroline Bates