To successfully store elephant plants, specifically their tubers, over winter, you need to provide conditions that encourage dormancy while preventing rot or dehydration. This typically involves digging them up, cleaning them, and storing them in a cool, dark, and slightly moist environment until spring.
Preparing Elephant Ear Tubers for Winter Storage
Elephant ear plants (Colocasia and Alocasia species) are often grown as annuals in temperate climates but can be overwintered by storing their tubers.
- Timing is Key: Before the first hard frost, when the foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally, it's time to dig up your elephant ear tubers. Frost damage can harm the tubers, so aim to do this on a dry day.
- Careful Excavation: Gently dig around the plant, lifting the entire clump of tubers. Be careful not to damage the tubers with your digging tools.
- Clean and Trim:
- Shake off excess soil from the tubers.
- Cut back the remaining foliage, leaving about 2-4 inches of stem attached to the tuber.
- Do not wash the tubers; instead, let them air dry for several days in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This allows the skin to "cure" and minor wounds to heal, which helps prevent rot during storage.
Step-by-Step Storage Guide for Elephant Ear Tubers
Once your tubers are clean and dry, they are ready for storage. The goal is to keep them cool, dark, and slightly damp to prevent them from drying out completely or rotting.
Choosing the Right Container
Select a container that allows for some air circulation while holding the covering material. Good options include:
- Grocery bags: Paper bags work well as they breathe.
- Plastic pots: Ensure there are drainage holes.
- Bulb crates: Designed specifically for this purpose, offering excellent ventilation.
- Cardboard boxes: Another breathable option.
The Perfect Covering Mix
To protect the tubers and maintain appropriate moisture levels, you'll need a suitable medium to cover them.
- Mix: Use a combination of peat moss and soil. You can also use vermiculite, sawdust, or shredded newspaper as alternatives.
- Layering: Place a layer of the chosen mix at the bottom of your container, then nestle the tubers on top, ensuring they don't touch each other if possible. Cover the tubers completely with more of the mix.
Moisture Control
Proper moisture is crucial for successful dormancy.
- Initial Watering: Add a tiny bit of water to the container after covering the tubers. The goal is to moisten the mix, not saturate it.
- Consistency: The storage medium should be moist but not wet. It should feel slightly damp to the touch, like a wrung-out sponge. Too much moisture will lead to rot, while too little will cause the tubers to shrivel.
Ideal Storage Conditions
The environment where you store your tubers is just as important as the preparation.
- Location: Store your container in a cool, dark place. This could be a basement, crawl space, unheated garage, or even a spare closet.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range for storage is typically between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Consistent cool temperatures are essential to ensure the tuber stays dormant throughout the winter and doesn't try to sprout prematurely.
Maintaining Tubers During Winter
Throughout the dormant period, it's wise to periodically check on your stored tubers.
- Inspection: Every few weeks, inspect the tubers for any signs of rot (soft, mushy spots) or excessive dryness (shriveled appearance).
- Adjust Moisture: If the covering mix feels too dry, lightly mist it with water to reintroduce some moisture. If it appears too wet, you might need to increase air circulation or replace some of the damp mix with drier material. Remove any tubers that show signs of rot to prevent it from spreading.
When to Replant Elephant Ear Tubers
In spring, after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures begin to warm up, your elephant ear tubers are ready to be replanted. You can either start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost date to get a head start or plant them directly into your garden. For more detailed insights on planting and care, you can refer to resources like The Old Farmer's Almanac's guide on growing elephant ears.
Here’s a quick summary of the process:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | Dig before the first hard frost, when foliage yellows. |
| Preparation | Gently excavate, shake off soil, cut stems to 2-4 inches, and air dry tubers for several days. |
| Container Options | Grocery bag (paper), plastic pot (with drainage), bulb crate, cardboard box. |
| Covering Medium | Mix of peat moss and soil; alternatives include vermiculite, sawdust, or shredded newspaper. |
| Initial Moisture | Add a tiny bit of water to the covering mix; keep it moist but not wet. |
| Storage Location | Cool, dark place (e.g., basement, unheated garage, crawl space). |
| Temperature Range | Ideally 45-55°F (7-13°C) to ensure dormancy. |
| Winter Maintenance | Periodically check for rot or dryness; lightly mist if too dry; remove diseased tubers. |
| Replanting | In spring, after the last frost, either indoors for an early start or directly in the garden. For more information, consult resources like the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on elephant ear care. |
