Saving Elephant Ears
Medium
It's only a matter of time -- frost is coming. And that means northern gardeners have to prepare their tropicals for winter storage. Here is a brief review of the steps:
1. Clip back the Elephant Ear stems, leaving about 8". Don't be surprised if there is a gush of water pouring from the cut stalk -- and be aware that "bleed" and this can permanently stain clothing.
2. Using pitchfork or spade, carefully pry the bulb out of the soil. Shake off the excess dirt, but don't try to separate any of the attached smaller bulbs. They'll be easier to separate in the spring when you replant the bulb.
3. Air dry bulb in a warm and dry location for about a week.
4. After a week, place a layer of peat moss in a paper bag, place the bulb inside and then cover with more peat moss. Store in a cool spot, such as a basement.
Who said it's not fun to fool Mother Nature?
More detailed steps can be found by following the link.
1. Clip back the Elephant Ear stems, leaving about 8". Don't be surprised if there is a gush of water pouring from the cut stalk -- and be aware that "bleed" and this can permanently stain clothing.
2. Using pitchfork or spade, carefully pry the bulb out of the soil. Shake off the excess dirt, but don't try to separate any of the attached smaller bulbs. They'll be easier to separate in the spring when you replant the bulb.
3. Air dry bulb in a warm and dry location for about a week.
4. After a week, place a layer of peat moss in a paper bag, place the bulb inside and then cover with more peat moss. Store in a cool spot, such as a basement.
Who said it's not fun to fool Mother Nature?
More detailed steps can be found by following the link.
Elephant Ears. It's sad to see them go, but if northern gardeners want a tropical garden, they have to take matters into their own hands.
The first cut is the deepest.
Elephant Ears bleed -- and the liquid will stain. That's why I now have an Elephant Ear outfit.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
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3 of 59 comments
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Thank you Rosemarie, I will check out my local Wally World!!
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I love Elephant Ears and grow them every year. I try to save them the same way you are showing, but most of the time I have found the bulbs to be rotted away, and there is little to save. I can only remember one time when the bulbs were not rotted. I wonder what I'm doing wrong, because I really would like to save them from year to year. Here is a photo of mine this year. These were from the smaller bulbs.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
My plant leaves were messed up with hail. I want to cut the damaged ones off, but I've noticed in the passed that the stalks keep bleeding when you cut them is there a way to seal them after you cut the leaf off?
JJimmy Padilla
Elephant ear plant frozen what to do