Elephant Ear plants (Colocasia and Alocasia) are tropical and subtropical perennials prized for their large, dramatic foliage. These plants produce underground storage structures called tubers or corms that cannot survive freezing temperatures. Gardeners in non-tropical climates, typically USDA Hardiness Zone 7 and colder, must lift these tubers annually to prevent them from being killed by winter frost. This process allows the plants to return and flourish again the following spring.
Optimal Timing for Removal
The correct time to lift Elephant Ear tubers is governed by specific temperature and plant cues that signal dormancy. Wait until the plant’s foliage naturally begins to yellow and collapse following the first light frost of the season. This yellowing indicates the plant is actively sending stored energy back down into the underground tuber for winter survival.
A light frost that causes the leaves to wilt is beneficial for inducing dormancy, but you must act quickly to avoid a hard, killing freeze. A hard freeze occurs when temperatures consistently drop low enough to freeze the soil solid, which will damage or destroy the tropical tubers. Digging should be completed when night temperatures drop consistently below 40°F (4°C), ensuring the corms are lifted while still healthy.
Curing and Prepping the Tubers
Once the tubers have been gently lifted from the soil, preparation begins with cleaning and trimming. Brush off the majority of the clinging soil, but avoid washing the tubers with water, as excess moisture increases the risk of rot during storage. Trim back any remaining stems and roots, leaving only a small attachment of about four to six inches connected to the main tuber.
The most important preparation step is curing, which encourages the outer skin of the tuber to dry and harden. This curing period should take place in a warm, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, for several days up to a week. The ideal temperature range for this drying process is between 60°F and 70°F (16°C to 21°C). This drying allows the exterior to form a protective, calloused layer, sealing off small wounds and preventing pathogens from entering the tuber.
Proper Winter Storage Conditions
After the tubers are fully cured and have developed a firm outer skin, they are ready for storage in a cool, dry, and dark environment. The goal is to keep the tubers dormant without allowing them to freeze or shrivel from dehydration. The recommended temperature range for winter storage is ideally maintained between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
The tubers must be placed in a storage medium that provides cushioning, absorbs minimal moisture, and allows air circulation. Suitable materials include dry peat moss, wood shavings, or shredded newspaper, packed around the tubers in a cardboard box or mesh bag. Avoid using airtight plastic containers, as these trap moisture and encourage mold and rot. Check the stored tubers periodically; if they appear shriveled, apply a very light misting of water. Immediately discard any soft, moldy, or rotten tubers to prevent the spread of decay.