Similar to Studrose, I started caladium bulbs this spring. They took forever to come up, even at room temperature. I planted outside for the summer, in pots. Despite being tropical, they did great for most of the summer (our summer temps are anywhere from 70's to 90's). A really neat addition to a mixed flower pot with impatiens, coleus, etc. Then, the cool nights of September (40's)seems to be taking a toll on them, they are getting droopy looking but still growing very slowly. So, I dug out my favorite ones and potted them up, and brought inside before frost. Do they absolutely need a dormancy period? If so, does this involve actually digging out the bulb and storing it, similar to storing a begonia bulb, or can the plant just keep it's leaves but still go through it's dormancy period? Just like most houseplants actually stop growing a bit during winter and rest. I suppose I have nothing to lose so I will just keep them lightly watered and give them a chance. If they don't sprout new leaves I have my answer. They were actually still getting some new leaves when I transplanted them and took them outside so hopefully these leaves will continue to unfold. Glen

There is a link below. Also I found this topic had been discussed some time ago on this forum. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bulbs/msg0912203531524.html Here's a youtube video on storing Caladiums http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUTi2MduzA0 Here is a link that might be useful: overwintering Caladiums

I say, three cheers for weeds! at least some of them. This is the area I see from my deck (although I walked down to take the photos). This used to be all lawn with a few oaks and cherries, and I let the steepest part of it go wild with some added plants as a border. I may have relocated a goldenrod there, I don't remember. The white wood asters volunteered first, and then the goldenrod joined in. I like the combination of the asters, goldenrod, and variegated miscanthus. Another volunteer is a pokeberry in my alley by the side of the house (this is a plain old "alley", not a fancy "allee"). Here the pokeberry fruits are hanging over the one sedum I didn't move out. Claire

help! I know the plants i've had in the ground are caladiums. I mean, I pulled them up on caladium.com and looked at mine and looked online, they are the same. Anyways,I dug them up to store for the winter, but there are NO BULBS? There are NO tubers, just roots? Just a long good root system. Am I crazy? Do I still dry out the plants and store them? Sometimes this plant thing is SO confusing. :( PSSt: I dug up my elephant ears and yes, they are bulbs. Do I store them the same way as caladiums? Also, the "mother" elephant ear bulb has a part of it thats rotten. Do I have to throw the whole bulb away or see if it's viable next year once it dries out?