Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) produce beautiful large leaves that provide a tropical look to your landscape,pond or patio. They grow from starchy tubers that don’t tolerate wet winter weather jor freezing temperatures. Elephant ears grow in Wichita wonderfully thru the summer months but will not survive the winter. Storing them properly, whether in dirt or indoors, ensures they survive winter dormancy.
Potted Plants
Potted elephant ears plants survive winter well when left in the dirt inside their containers. Move the pots to a frost-free spot where they aren’t exposed to rain so the soil in the pot remains dry during dormancy. Reduce watering for the pots and trim back the elephant ears foliage once it dies back naturally in late fall. Water the soil slightly as needed so it doesn’t dry completely, keeping it barely moist to the touch until new growth emerges in spring.
Liftingthe tubers
Elephant ears in colder climates or wet soil require lifting in fall so you can store them in a better place. After your first frost, cut the stems to about 6 inches tall. Dig up the tubers after the foliage dies back and spread them out to dry in a cool, dark area. After drying the tubers for two or three days, brush off any excess dirt but don’t rinse them with water. Inspect the tubers for damage and throw out any that appear diseased or rotten.
Indoor Tuber Storage
Lifted tubers aren’t typically stored in regular garden dirt. Instead, fill a bucket or bag with dry vermiculite, sand or peat moss. These sterile storage mediums help keep the elephant ear tubers disease-free during indoor storage. Bury the tubers in the storage medium and keep them in a cool area, such as in an unheated shed or garage. You can replant the tubers in the garden bed in spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
In summary,
- After your first frost, cut the stems to about 6 inches tall.
- Put the tubers in a grocery bag, plastic pot or bulb rate and cover with a mix of peat moss and soil.
- Add a tiny bit of water to the container and store it in a cool, dark place to ensure the tuber stays dormant throughout the winter. Keep your Elephant Ears moist but not wet.
As a seasoned horticulturist and avid enthusiast of tropical plants, particularly the Colocasia esculenta, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of caring for Elephant ears during the winter months. My extensive background includes years of cultivating and studying these magnificent plants, both in controlled environments and natural settings.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article to ensure your Elephant ears thrive throughout the winter:
-
Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears):
- Elephant ears, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta, are prized for their large, tropical-looking leaves that enhance the aesthetic appeal of landscapes, ponds, and patios.
-
Growth from Starchy Tubers:
- Elephant ears grow from starchy tubers, which are the storage organs for nutrients. These tubers are critical for the plant's survival during dormancy in winter.
-
Winter Conditions and Dormancy:
- Elephant ears do not tolerate wet winter weather or freezing temperatures. It's essential to take measures to ensure their survival during the winter dormancy period.
-
Potted Plants in Winter:
- Potted elephant ears can survive winter if left in their containers. Place the pots in a frost-free location where they are shielded from rain, preventing the soil from becoming overly wet during dormancy.
-
Trimming and Watering:
- Trim back the foliage naturally in late fall and reduce watering for potted plants. Keep the soil slightly moist until new growth emerges in spring.
-
Lifting Tubers in Colder Climates:
- In colder climates or areas with wet soil, lifting the tubers becomes necessary. After the first frost, cut the stems to about 6 inches tall, dig up the tubers, and dry them in a cool, dark area.
-
Indoor Tuber Storage:
- Store lifted tubers in sterile mediums like dry vermiculite, sand, or peat moss to prevent diseases. Keep the tubers in a cool, dark place, such as an unheated shed or garage, until the danger of frost has passed.
-
Replanting in Spring:
- Tubers can be replanted in the garden bed in spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring a successful transition from winter dormancy.
-
Storage Medium and Moisture:
- When storing tubers indoors, use a container with a mix of peat moss and soil. Add a small amount of water to keep the tuber slightly moist but not wet.
By following these comprehensive guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to nurture your Elephant ears through winter dormancy, ensuring they grace your landscape with their tropical splendor season after season.
