Elephant Ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) are prized for their dramatic, oversized foliage, evoking a tropical feel. Native to warm, humid climates, these plants cannot survive freezing temperatures. In temperate zones where winter brings frost, seasonal maintenance is necessary to ensure the survival of the underground corms or tubers. This preparation allows the plant to enter a protected state of winter dormancy.
Timing the Cutback: Preparing for Dormancy
The precise timing for the seasonal cutback is determined by the environmental shift signaling the end of the growing season. The most definitive cue is the arrival of the first light frost, which causes immediate damage to the plant’s foliage. A light frost is sufficient to kill the above-ground leaves and stems, naturally initiating dormancy in the underground corm or tuber.
It is recommended to wait until the leaves have collapsed or turned completely brown following a frost event. This visible sign confirms the plant has ceased active growth and is withdrawing energy back into the storage structure. Nighttime temperatures sustained below 40°F (4°C) will trigger this natural shutdown, even without a hard frost. Waiting for the natural dieback is safer, as the dying foliage helps transfer maximum nutrients to the corm before cutting.
The Process of Cutting Back
Once the foliage has been killed by frost, cutting back prepares the plant for lifting or mulching. Use a sharp, sterile cutting tool, such as bypass pruners or a heavy-duty serrated knife, especially for mature plants. Ensuring the tool is clean reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the remaining plant material.
The stems, or petioles, should be cut down to a height of about two to six inches above the soil line. Leaving a small stubble serves as a marker for the corm’s location and provides a temporary seal for the cut surface. This remaining stem material will dry out naturally, protecting the crown from excess moisture that could lead to rot during winter storage.
Post-Cutback Care and Storage
Post-cutback care depends on the specific climate zone and whether the plant can remain in the ground. In warmer climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11), corms can often be left undisturbed with proper protection. For in-ground winterization, allow the stems to die back naturally. Then, cover the area with a deep, insulating layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves. A mulch layer of six inches or more helps stabilize the soil temperature, preventing freezing and thawing cycles that damage the root structure.
In colder zones (Zones 6 and below), the tubers must be lifted and stored indoors to prevent freezing. After digging up the corms, carefully brush off the excess soil without washing them, as moisture encourages rot. The corms must then be “cured” by allowing them to dry in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location, ideally between 60°F and 70°F (16°C to 21°C), for several days up to two weeks.
Following the curing period, the corms should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment that maintains a steady temperature between 40°F and 60°F (4°C to 16°C). Place the dried corms in a container, such as a cardboard box, and cover them with a dry medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust, ensuring the corms do not touch each other. Periodically checking the stored corms is important to ensure they are not shriveling from excessive dryness or developing mold.
Removing Yellowing or Damaged Leaves
Cutting back during the growing season is separate from preparing for winter dormancy and is done for health and aesthetics. Elephant Ears naturally shed older leaves as new ones emerge, often resulting in the oldest leaf turning yellow or brown. Removing these discolored leaves is a form of maintenance pruning that directs the plant’s energy toward new growth.
To perform this cosmetic pruning, trace the stem of the yellowing leaf down to the base of the plant. Make a clean cut at this point, removing the entire petiole. This action helps improve air circulation around the plant, which is beneficial for health and prevents fungal issues. This ongoing practice is for tidiness and vigor, not a signal of seasonal change.