Elephant ears, which include the tropical and subtropical plants in the Colocasia and Alocasia genera, are prized for their dramatic, oversized foliage. These plants are not frost-tolerant and will not survive when temperatures drop below 50°F, making winter a challenge for those grown in containers outside of USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. Potted elephant ears must be protected from freezing weather, and there are two primary methods for overwintering: forcing the plant into a period of dormancy by storing the underground tuber, or maintaining active growth indoors as a houseplant. The correct approach depends on your climate, the size of your plant, and the space available in your home.
Preparing the Plant for Dormancy
Preparing for dormancy is timed to the change of seasons, usually after the first light frost causes the foliage to die back naturally. This exposure signals the plant to conclude its growing season and initiate energy storage in the tuber. If a hard freeze is imminent, you can proactively cut the leaves back, trimming the stalks to about six inches above the soil line.
Once the foliage is cut, the potted tuber needs to be lifted and allowed to dry, a process often referred to as “curing.” Carefully remove the tuber from the container, avoiding damage to the surface, which is susceptible to bruising and rot. Gently brush off excess soil, but avoid washing the tuber with water, as moisture increases the risk of fungal disease during storage. Leave the tuber in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location for approximately one week to ten days to cure fully.
Storing Tubers During Winter Months
Winter storage requires a cool, dark, and dry environment to maintain the tuber’s dormant state without freezing or rotting. The ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 55°F, which prevents premature sprouting while avoiding cold damage. A basement, unheated garage, or cool root cellar can serve as a suitable location, provided the area remains consistently above freezing.
To protect the tuber from desiccation and physical damage, bury it in a dry, sterile storage medium. Suitable options include:
- Dry peat moss
- Vermiculite
- Wood shavings
- Shredded paper
Place the tubers in a container that allows air circulation, such as a cardboard box, paper bag, or a plastic bin with holes punched into it, covering them completely.
Regular inspection is necessary to monitor the health of the dormant tuber. Check the tubers monthly for signs of mold, rot, or excessive shriveling. If a tuber appears too dry, lightly mist the storage medium, but avoid adding too much moisture, which is the most common cause of storage failure. Promptly discard any tubers showing signs of decay to prevent the spread of pathogens to healthy stock.
Managing Elephant Ears Indoors Without Dormancy
An alternative to dormancy is keeping the potted elephant ear actively growing indoors through the winter. This method is best suited for smaller plants or those in milder climates where the indoor environment is easily maintained. The plant requires a location that offers bright, indirect light, such as a spot near a south- or east-facing window. Supplemental grow lights may be necessary to compensate for reduced daylight hours.
Since the plant is still growing, it needs consistent warmth, with indoor temperatures ideally maintained at 70°F or higher. Elephant ears require high humidity to thrive, which can be challenging in heated indoor environments. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, or by using a room humidifier.
Watering requirements are reduced compared to the summer growing season, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Maintain vigilance against common indoor pests like spider mites, which thrive in low-humidity conditions. A sudden onset of leaf yellowing may signal the plant is attempting to enter a semi-dormant phase due to lower light levels.
Transitioning Back to Outdoor Growth
The transition back to outdoor life begins indoors in late winter or early spring, typically four to six weeks before the last expected frost date. Repot dormant tubers into fresh, well-draining soil and place them in a warm environment to encourage them to break dormancy. Increasing warmth and providing minimal moisture initiates the growth process, with new sprouts indicating the tuber is actively waking up.
Plants kept actively growing indoors must also be prepared for the change, as the transition from a stable indoor environment to fluctuating outdoor conditions can shock the plant. The final step before permanently moving the plant outside is “hardening off.” This involves gradually acclimating the elephant ear to direct sun and cooler temperatures by placing it outside for increasingly longer periods each day over one to two weeks.
The elephant ear should only be moved outdoors full-time when the danger of frost has completely passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F to 65°F. Return to the regular summer care routine of consistent watering and fertilizing to support the development of the characteristic large, lush leaves.