I grew them one year, but was under-whelmed by their performance. They require soil temperature of around 80 degrees to grow from the bulb without rotting. Maybe if you could leave them in the garden year around the roots would keep the bulbs from rotting during the cool wet winter as happens with colocasia or elephant ears. Al

I forgot where you are in California, I tried them back when we were having a few warm winters. I kept them in pots, though, so that I could move them around to dry spots in the winter. I too was underwhelmed by them... they'd make okay indoor plants, but unless you are willing to move them every winter, not worth it to me.

I got some 2 years ago in those bare root bags they sell at Home Depot. They came up for the season but didn't return. I had them in plastic half barrels with elephant ears, which have always come back. Caladiums are a nice accent, but since they don't seem to overwinter here in Nor Cal, they are out of my equation. I don't do dig-up and store.

I buy one or 2 every summer and keep them in pots on my patio. When they start dieing back in winter, I put the pots in a dry area. I've only had a couple come back, but they were weak and spindly.
I consider them annuals.
Also, in my experience, they seem to prefer very bright light and seem to do better in dappled sun than they do in shade. I've also found, that while they don't like to dry out, they do like it more on the drier side of moist.

wanda

WELL...seems like they're more trouble than worth, however, since these were a gift, I guess I'll go ahead and plant them with the Hostas, if they do well, great! If not, a lesson learned! Thanks to all of you for your input! Pat

Well, I just won 50 Debutante Caladium Bulbs from the Garden Club of Houston on Instagram. I figure if they grow there, they should grow here! We have a shady area in a planter next to the house. Heading to HD to buy a ton of potting soil. Zone 9B and in summer shade it's always in the 90's. 100+ in full sun. I read they love well drained soil, which we do have, so I'm thinking they should be happy here. Wish me luck!!