A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs Gardening in the Shade Caladiums

I live in the Panhandle of Texas and think it is zone 6 or 7.
This summer I had a "container garden" part of the lenght of the back of my house, mostly to keep the doggies from running in a bed. It really turned out lovely.I edged it with bricks, then filled with mulch from the local chipping site to the depth of about 4 inches. I have several of the metal stands and different colored,size and style pots. I had hanging plants and plants on the ground in pots. I have one pot full of caladiums. They are an annual here, but could this pot be wintered inside and put out next spring again? Providing I don't kill them in side first. How should I take care of them during this time. I do have a small basement that stays fairly cool and dark, as we don't use it much. Would it work to keep this pot there and maybe water sparingly? Sorry for so many questions.

I have had a the best luck this summer with all my plants,I just want to bring all them in, I hate to think they will freeze soon.

yes, it can be. here, they come back most years, if they are mulched well. if you did up the bulb or just ease off the water and keep it in a cool area that doesn't freeze, they should be fine.

Thank you for your reply. I think I will ease off the watering now and move it to the basement before freeze. Should I give it some water during the winter months or just let it go dry?

think damp. a sprinkle with water is fine, but don't "water" it. if that makes sense.

if you over water, it will rot. dry is better than wet.

makes perfect sense to me. I have never done this before and consider myself a VERY novice gardener. I am learning though. Thanks again.

you will be amazed at what you remember from relatives, books, and tv. it's a case of "oh, yeah, that does make sense, now that you reminded me"

and we are glad to have you here

Thank you.