Caladium bulbscan I save for next year too?

Hi!
I just ordered some caladium bulbs on the current co-op. I was just wondering if anyone knows if I can keep them over the winter and have them for next year also? I live in mid Mississippi, between zones 7b and 8a. We usually have mild winters. Will I have to dig and store, or leave them in the ground. I know if I leave them in the ground, they may rot.
Any suggestions? Thanks!

Yvonne

Just noticed I messed up spacing in the Topic area. Oops!

Yvonne,

You'll most likely have to dig the bulbs if you want to save them for next year. Caladium bulbs will not survive if allowed to freeze. Dig them up before the first cold snap, let the bulbs cure for about a week, trim off any excess growth and store them in a paper bag with sphnagum moss and store them in a cool dry area. Storing bulbs over the winter can be tricky!! The bulbs will dry out if they're not stored properly.

Bill

Thanks Bill!
So to keep them from drying out, do I need to moisten them occassionally? I know I don't want fungus or mold growing on them.

Yvonne