Preparing Elephant Ears for Winter - Knowledgebase Question

Ballston Lake, NY
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Question by lo1000
October 9, 2000
I have several elephant ear (Colocasia) corms that had been growing in a container. What do I do with them in winter?


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Answer from NGA
October 9, 2000
The plants can be brought indoors and treated like houseplants, or they can be allowed to go dormant for the winter. To do the latter, allow them to be frosted lightly and the tops killed back, or simply withhold water until the tops die back. Then trim away the dead leaves and stems and gently dig up the corms. Allow them to air dry for a few days before storing in sawdust or peat moss in a cardboard box or paper bag. They keep best a temperature of about 50 degrees and should be checked periodically for mold or rot. Repot indoors in early spring for a head start before setting them outside after all danger of frost.

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