Elephant Ears, which include species from the genera Colocasia and Alocasia, are popular tropical plants cultivated for their striking, oversized foliage. These tender perennials bring a dramatic, jungle-like aesthetic to the landscape during the warm growing season. Since these plants are native to the tropics, they cannot survive cold temperatures or freezing conditions in temperate climates. Gardeners must decide on the appropriate timing and method for providing winter protection to ensure the plants survive the off-season and return the following year.
Temperature Thresholds for Moving Indoors
The timing for bringing Elephant Ears inside is determined by temperature, not the calendar date. These tropical specimens are sensitive to cold, and their growth will slow significantly when temperatures consistently dip below 60°F (15°C). A threshold occurs when the air temperature falls below 50°F (10°C), which is when the plants begin to experience cold stress that can damage the root system and foliage. The absolute latest time to intervene is before the first hard frost (28°F or lower for several hours). A hard frost is lethal to the plant’s above-ground structure and quickly damages the underground tubers. To avoid this outcome, move the plants indoors when nighttime temperatures are reliably forecasted to drop into the low 40s°F (4°C).
Overwintering Method 1: Maintaining the Plant Indoors
One approach for overwintering is to keep the Elephant Ear actively growing as a temporary houseplant throughout the winter months. Before moving the container indoors, thoroughly inspect the foliage and soil for pests such as spider mites or aphids, which thrive in dry indoor air. A gentle spray-down with water or insecticidal soap can help prevent an infestation from spreading to other indoor plants.
Once inside, the plant requires a location that provides bright, indirect light, such as an area near a south-facing or west-facing window. Supplemental lighting from a dedicated grow light may be necessary due to the reduced light levels during winter. The indoor temperature should be maintained between 68°F and 75°F (20°C–24°C) to encourage continued growth.
While the plant is growing, the watering schedule needs to be reduced compared to the summer, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Elephant Ears are accustomed to high humidity, so placing the container on a tray of pebbles and water or using a room humidifier will help prevent the leaf edges from turning brown. If the plant shows signs of natural dormancy, such as yellowing and dropping leaves, transition to the tuber storage method instead.
Overwintering Method 2: Storing the Tubers
For large specimens grown in the ground, or for gardeners with limited indoor space, the most common strategy is to induce dormancy and store the underground tubers. This process should begin after the first light frost has caused the foliage to naturally die back, which signals the plant to withdraw energy into the tuber. Avoid waiting until a hard freeze, as this can damage the storage organ.
After the foliage has collapsed, cut the stems back to approximately four to six inches above the soil line. Carefully dig up the tuber using a garden fork, starting about a foot away from the main stem to avoid accidental damage to the skin, which can lead to rot during storage. Once lifted, the tuber should not be washed with water; instead, gently brush off any large clumps of soil clinging to the surface.
Curing the Tubers
The next step is curing, a process that toughens the outer skin and allows any surface wounds to seal. Place the tubers in a warm, dry location with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight, for a period ranging from a few days up to two weeks. An ideal curing temperature is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C–21°C).
Long-Term Storage
After curing, the tubers are ready for long-term storage in a cool, dark, and dry environment that will maintain dormancy. Place them in a cardboard box, paper bag, or ventilated crate and cover them completely with a sterile, dry medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. The storage area temperature should consistently remain between 40°F and 60°F (4°C–15°C) to prevent both freezing and premature sprouting.
Reintroducing Elephant Ears to the Outdoors
The transition back to the garden begins several weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area. Tubers can be “woken up” by planting them in pots filled with fresh, moist potting mix indoors. Starting them early allows the plant to develop a strong root system and some foliage growth before being exposed to outdoor conditions.
The final move outside must be delayed until all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed up considerably. Elephant Ears thrive when the soil temperature is consistently at least 65°F (18°C), with some varieties preferring 70°F (21°C) for optimal growth. The potted plants must undergo a hardening-off process, which involves gradually exposing them to increasing periods of direct sunlight and outdoor air over a week or two. This gradual acclimation prevents the new, tender leaves from being scorched by the intense spring sun.