We have bulbs labeled White Queen and can't remember what they are. Help!
Most likely these are White Queen caladiums. This article will help with growing these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/caladium/when-to-plant-caladium-bulbs.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/caladium/caladium-plant-care.htm
The black caladiums were stored in their original soil in a dry, protected place over winter. They are blooming now but they are no longer black. Why aren't they black this year?
I spoke with one of the major caladium growers in the world, and she explained that first, there are no black caladiums; your black leafed plant might be a variety of elephant ear, and that the black variety is a hybrid, so the new growth could will be reverting to a parent type. Other things that can affect foliage color are changes in light, pH, minerals, even moisture.
Is it important to remove the flower blooms from my caladium bulbs to get more leaves?
Yes, you want the plant to put its energy into making beautiful leaves, not flowers and seeds. Here's an article with more information on caladiums: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/caladium/caladium-plant-care.htm
I planted caladiums in a fence row that was fairly shady. They are growing fine. Last week, I had a couple clumps of elephant ears pop up. I don't remember planting any in that area.
Well isn't that fun. I love it when plants pop up unexpectedly. The caladiums should be perfectly happy with the elephant ears. If they seem to be shading too much, you can always cut off a leaf now and then.
I live in zone 7 and would like to store my caladium bulbs. How do I do this?
Here's some information that should be helpful to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/preparing-bulbs-for-winter-how-to-store-bulbs-for-winter.htm
What does it mean by "you can overwinter caladiums indoors"? Doesn't the bulb need a resting period before spring?
From what I understand, Caladiums, grown indoors or out, will go dormant because the tubers do need a rest period otherwise they exhaust their carbohydrate reserves and the plants begin to decline.
This article explains the process of overwintering caladiums quite nicely:
http://www.post-gazette.com/life/garden/2010/08/28/It-s-difficult-to-keep-caladiums-indoors/stories/201008280166
Caladium bulbs are on sale now (late July). Can I buy them now and hold them for planting in the spring? I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I would like to take advantage of the sales now. Will this year's bulbs winter over in my house for planting next spring?
Don't rule out planting them yet this year!
Here are some great articles for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/caladium/when-to-plant-caladium-bulbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/is-it-too-late-to-plant-bulbs-when-to-plant-bulbs.htm