Winter caladiums outdoors or indoors in Austin, Tx? Leave foliage on for 2-3 weeks after removing from soil per article?

Question

My caladiums wilted after a couple weeks of 100+ heat and inadequate water. When I dig them up in a few weeks, should I leave the foliage on for 2-3 weeks per instructions in online article, or should I cut them back now and see if they regrow before the winter sets in?

Answer 1

After you dig up the caladium bulbs, leave the soil and foliage attached and put them in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks while the bulb is "curing" or going dormant. Then, cut the tops off even with where the soil line was and brush off any loose soil. Then apply a fungicide and store the bulbs in a frost-free area for the winter. You can store them in sand or sawdust to keep them from getting too dry.

Austin is in hardiness zones 8b and 9a. If you are in the 9a area, you should be able to overwinter your caladiums outside with just a heavy mulch.