DATE:   9/26/96
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 646-2604

Advice on Overwintering Caladiums

     Q:  This past spring I planted a group of colorful caladiums
in a shady spot in my garden and they flourished. But winter is
coming and I know that they won't survive the cold. What is the
best way to overwinter them indoors? Should I just take cuttings? 
I don't want to buy new plants next spring.
      A.  The best approach is to lift the tubers from the ground
before frost. Shake the soil from them and leave them in a sunny
location to dry for 7 to 10 days. If rain or frost is forecast,
move the tubers indoors temporarily. After this drying period,
pluck off the withered leaves from the tuber and brush off any 
remaining soil.
     Store the tubers over the winter in a box or basket filled
with dried vermiculite or perlite. Place the container where the
temperature will not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Next
spring, plant the tubers in the garden when the soil temperature
rises to 70 degrees.
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to 
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311.
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