Overwintering Elephant Ears (Colocasia): Dormancy Is Essential

Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro) grow from tubers and require a winter dormancy period—even indoors. Attempting to keep them actively growing year-round weakens the plant.

Proper Dormancy Protocol

In fall, stop watering completely. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally, then cut it off. Unpot the tuber and store it in a cool (60–65°F), dark, dry location—like a basement—in peat or vermiculite. In late February or early March, repot in rich soil, resume watering, and provide bright indirect light. Growth will resume vigorously.

Why Dormancy Matters

These plants evolved in seasonal climates. The rest period rebuilds energy reserves for the next growing season. Skipping it leads to declining vigor, smaller leaves, and eventual failure. Some gardeners succeed ignoring this advice, but long-term health suffers.

Indoor Growing Season Care

During active growth, keep soil constantly moist (saucer with standing water is fine), provide bright indirect light, and fertilize regularly. The dramatic foliage makes the seasonal effort worthwhile.